Piano Lessons in Fentress, TX

Instruments: Piano Voice

My lesson style varies depending on the student's learning style, personality, preferences, etc. I usually get a sense of the learning style of a given student within 3 or 4 lessons, and if I don't I have a special test to find out. Students learn best when the teaching favors their learning style and preferred pace. Some students like to take things slow, be methodical, and are very visual. Others may want to apply concepts at a faster pace, respond more to auditory examples, and like to jump around between topics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

My lessons are very structured and fun. I incorporate games, visual aids, physical application, and live demonstrations to help appeal to the different styles. I do expect a high level of commitment from students while still being understanding that life doesnt always allow us to practice hours and hours a day. Since I do provide a lot of information within each lesson, I add a 5 minute break (if needed) to help clear the mind or just rest the eyes/arms since staring at music for a long period of time or holding up an instrument for a long period of time can be quite taxing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Euphonium Music Keyboard

I began teaching trumpet when I was a high school student. My students were middle school aged peers within my school district that needed additional guidance. While in college, I maintained two dozen or so students within my own private studio. Some of these students were non-music majors that were given to me by my own voice professor. My primary instrument is the human voice. A complicated yet versatile instrument that is unique in every person, and as such should be treated with specific pedagogical methods that best suit a student's age, skill level, and learning style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I usually balances the time by working first on fundamental/technical aspects of the instrument: intonation, articulation, rhythm, and tone; followed by study of the particular student's chosen repertoire, whether it be jazz standards, rock/pop/blues tunes, classical literature or etudes. I believe in teaching students to organize their practice time wisely, isolating specific issues on the instrument. Cultivating personal musical goals with each student is also very important, in order to maximize the student's enjoyment of the time they spend playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ

Each student progresses at their own pace; therefore, I don't impose "deadlines" as to when a student should advance to the next level.  A lot of that comes from the individual's motivation and reason for learning the instrument.  During a lesson, I go over concepts in a given piece, help discover where more difficult passages will be, and show the student the techniques needed to master those elements.  The main part of the lesson, however, is on the STUDENT...and by that I mean PRACTICE to prepare for the next week's progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

Music education is essential to lifelong development and enrichment in everyday life. That's why nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning drum set students, the program I recommend is starting with Drum Set Essentials by Peter Erskine. As skills in rudiments and basic patterns develop, I go on to materials such as Syncopation by Ted Reed (reading,coordination,technique), and Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone (technique). For piano, I go over basic theory,major and minor scales,chords and arpeggios and work in Piano For Adults by James Bastien. Read More