Piano Lessons in Ferndale, MI

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is fun and effective. I find that a huge percentage of issues people face are themselves, so I employ fun techniques to overcome obstacles. An example would be a student I currently have who gets tense as she approaches higher notes- I will have her toss a ball back and forth as a distraction technique and it's amazing that a beautiful, free high note come right out! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

Every student is different.  Music Theory, various styles and forms and performance are all important and part of the main focus.  I also like them to learn songs and styles that they enjoy. It's important for them to pick up their instrument every day, develop their calluses and coordination.  I find this not only encourages them to play and explore more on their own, but keeps their focus on developing their own style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I am a Detroit-native international multi-genre musician, vocalist, producer, composer, arranger, orchestrator, writer (librettist, lyricist), and show programmer. I also am a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) having obtained a B.S. in Art Politics with a focus on Curriculum Ethos. I serve as music director for a number of artists including the well-known RB mavens Atlantic Starr, Marena Oates-Clunie, and others. Prolific musicianship has afforded me performance and collaborative efforts with artists such as Prince-protg Sue Ann Carwell, Twinkie Clark, Fred Hammond and Valerie Simpson just to name a few. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Hi. My name is Jesse and I am a drummer. I graduated from Bennington college in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, after which I moved to New York City to study jazz drums with some of the most gifted and creative musicians in the world. I’ve travelled the world playing music professionally in a variety of styles, in over 70 different countries across every (habitable) continent! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. Read More