Piano Lessons in Independence, MO

Sky L

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Everything and all :) I go through phases, but my students learn to appreciate all music- baroque counterpoint, to jazz, to rap music. All music is beautiful, and hiding from that truth is a limiting factor to musical intelligence and creative possibility.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I've always valued the time and exceptional patience of cartoon animation. I always wanted to be a cartoonist, and I routinely revisit my love of the art when not wrapped up in my family or music.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Bachelors, Music Performance Bachelors, Music Technology Bachelors, Jazz Pedagogy. I received these degrees from Missouri Western State University simultaneously. This was a triple major, while also in the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia organization.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
With my students at their highest- watching them soar. There is no time or place, just the concept of my students achieving, while I help them- live, studio, anywhere.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Style- it takes time to know how to say what you want to say. Listening to masters for years, impersonating them- their voice, their notes, their time; it takes time to know style.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I specifically guide my students towards ear training. Similar to the Suzuki method, my students learn how to express what they -actually- want, through the process of using their own senses; removing the blocking points of contrived practices. Let the student speak their voice, and learn like a baby- and become a master.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
All-state High School Students within solo, trio, and ensemble- and students with incredible social profiles displaying their original work. Lessons, Ideally- inspire a sense of personality within music, and in the context of today, showcasing the students voice and making them feel heard.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Traveling to Italy to perform for renown musicians, artists, and the people of the country. I've played internationally a number of times- but the opportunity I got when I was in college to redefine my perspective of music, and meet wonderful people from across the globe through music- absolutely amazing.,

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Of course, many. Elementary with Mrs. Stinson teaching us scales with the recorder, high school all-state competitions with Mrs. King- all of my college professors who tendered me into the musician I am, and especially all of the fantastic artists I've had the pleasure of touring and recording with.

When will I start to see results?
Immediately. Within one lesson, the concepts and possibilities of your musical future should be present and exciting. The thing in your head can come true, and with some guidance- we'll get you there faster than you could have imagined.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Every human being is ready for music- what capacity is appropriate is the fun part! Special needs kids require a specific set of tools that I'm trained to provide; adults trying their hand at the guitar for the first time are different than 5th graders learning their clarinet scales- everyone is unique!

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice- it's not the destination, it's the journey. The process of being bad at something, and having fun discovering how to become awesome at it- that's practice. Every student of mine learns the joy and the possibilities up front.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My older brother- a saxophonist. My ultimate inspiration- though I play many other instruments, I attribute all of my groundwork emotionally to him and all he has done and does for me.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
There is no moment for anyone- just a series of miniature decisions that evolve into an eventual love of creating music. Classical Piano, Jazz, Metal, Rap- whatever you calling is, it's worth exploring. That's what I'm here for, because that's what I've known.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
It started with the saxophone, eventually to the guitar, then the piano, the drums, so and so forth. The love of music and discovery doesn't end. Curiosity will continue to pull you to new instruments, because music is more powerful than we recognize.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My entire family plays! My father, Jeff Lux- was a guitar player for the classic rock band "Kansas." My brother, Beaux, is a touring saxophonist, and my grandmother, Ethel, started and ran the St Joseph Symphony an upbringing musical figure in my youth.

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