Piano Lessons in Dripping Springs, TX

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Music

Typically, I like to start every lesson by spending some time working on specific vocal techniques. Good fundamentals are very important - developing good singing habits while getting rid of bad ones is key to consistent improvement. I believe that as a teacher, the best thing I can do for a student is to give them the tools to succeed outside of the lesson. We also spend time practicing musicianship skills, which means time spent on ear-training and learning to read music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I had the opportunity to be the leader of the cello section, where some of my responsibilities included preparing the cello section with weekly sectionals for performances, as well as playing the cello solos in the orchestra. I believe that music lessons should have the performance as a goal, but actually enjoying each day of practicing. In this manner, the performance is the culmination, and a celebration, of a worthwhile journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I give all of my students a mixture of technical exercises, repertoire pieces, and creative assignments to keep things interesting and varied. We will spend about half of the lesson on technique and theory, and the other half on understanding, and appreciating different musical styles and how to improvise comfortably and confidently over them. I have a much heavier focus on songwriting, and composing than most teachers, and I encourage my students to be as creative as possible while giving them the tools to do so effectively and correctly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Bass Guitar

I am a three-time Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher. I am proficient on saxophone, clarinet, flute, upright bass, electric bass, and piano. In 2006, I graduated with a degree in Jazz Composition with an emphasis in Saxophone Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. For some time in the mid-2000's, my wife and I had our own big band in Central Texas that played our original compositions exclusively.In 2015, our music was the centerpiece of a Hollywood screenplay with directorial consideration by Clint Eastwood and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My process is based on (but does not adhere strictly to) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory.  In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment.  All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Much of my lesson plan is specific to the age, experience, desire and ability of the student, but the basics tend to remain the same. I try to craft dexterity and melodic exercises to unite the ear and fingers, while crating a basic understanding of the theory involved, a rhythmic exercise which teaches comping and time, and assign a song to work on between lessons. I refer to this plan as "Theory, Time Tune." This technique was effective when assigned to me and I still use it to guide my own practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For absolute beginners I like to start with an interview to get to know who they are as an individual. From there, I will choose from a selection of beginner method books or craft my own method if I do not think that any existing method is effective. Once the student has grasped fundamentals, I start to introduce more standard repertoire. For all levels I like to heavily emphasize rhythm, theory, and listening, and will incorporate all of those aspects into every lesson. Read More