Musika Quick Stats
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Norman . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice
I am a motivated teacher and performer who loves to create beautiful art and help others develop a love for music. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Oklahoma. In 2012, I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. I have been privelidged to perform with Tulsa Opera chorus for two seasons in La Traviata, Don Giovanni, Norma, The Most Happy Fella, and Aida. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
For beginning piano students I typically use the Alfred Method. Once the student demonstrates a grasp of the fundamentals I introduce solo repertoire. For adults I typically use the John Thompson Adult Piano Course and we work together to find the solo repertoire. For voice lessons, I typically teach the bel canto style. I will work with vocalises that help develop breath control, placement and open vowels. I also use the Music Theory for Singers program to teach Music Theory and also use solfeggi to build sight singing skills. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet
Seems I've always been a teacher, even when I didn't realize it; from my school days as first chair helping other students, through college where I taught for the Southern Nevada School of Music and at Vesleys Music Conservatory, through the time I received my first certified public school teaching position and after that as a business owner with employees, I have been teaching and learning. Currently I teach Instrumental, Vocal music and Speech/Drama in Oklahoma as a certified classroom teacher. Read More
Instruments: Piano Cello
I began teaching cello in the year 2007 as a way to help my high school orchestra teacher. From there I began to teach privately during my undergrad from 2008 and through my master's degree until present day. Currently I teach mainly through the Oklahoma Conservatory of Music. The age range that I am most experienced with is late elementary school and up. I have had student win solo competitions and place first chair in regional youth orchestral auditions. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Euphonium French Horn
For beginning students whose primary goal is membership in a school performance ensemble, I will usually choose a beginning band method that give them a good foundation in fundamental playing techniques. As they gain basic skills at this level, I expand the content of lessons to include easy solo repertoire. For older and adult beginningstudents, I usually use instrumental methods more suited for older learners. In addition, I incorporate easy solo literature for public performance. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Music
I base my teaching methods on the student I am teaching. For students that are children at a beginner level, I typically begin with the essential elements of creating vocal foundation which I draw from many sources. Once we have set a good foundation, we tend to begin working on repertoire that is appropriate for the level at which they are singing, using those songs as learning opportunities. For adults, I begin by asking about the goals of the individual student and I then formulate a strategy to help the student reach their specific singing goals. Read More
Instruments: Drums
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Just about any Pink Floyd song!
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would likely be teaching another subject. I absolutely love teaching.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I typically would warm up and start by locking into a metronome. I then usually loosen up with stick control and rudiment based exercises. Next, I work on new concepts, songs, and styles; with a great deal of repetition.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For very young students, I typically start with the Hal Leonard Book, Drums for Kids. For older or slightly more experienced students, I start with exercises that cover: Fundamental drum patterns, phrasing, and fills. When the student can show that they have a grasp of the fundamentals, we then typically move on to more challenging concepts, including: Sound source (voicing) exercises, note subdivision exercises, more challenging books, and (last but not least) songs. All of the above is supplemented and reinforced by two great books called: Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, and Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Those two books are great for developing control, proper articulation (stick rebound), coordination, and sight reading skills. For more advanced students, I would typically jump directly into songs and styles; along with concepts that are generally more advanced (i.e. polyrhythms, strange time signatures, and independent coordination).
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On the drum set, orchestration is often the trickiest to master. Orchestration could be seen as how a drummer can make each part of the drum set speak, in a relative way.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I am very proud of a student who recently was selected to join, Camp Chase Drum and Fifes. This is an extremely selective group of Civil War reenacting musicians.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I showed a sense of rhythm from a young age. My ears naturally hone in on the percussion instruments.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud to have performed at many of the major venues, in the Detroit metropolitan area. Most notably one of my groups opened for the legendary Jazz-Funk group, The Headhunters. This group was formed by the amazing Herbie Hancock!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
In my humble opinion, if the child shows genuine enthusiasm for the instrument.
When will I start to see results?
In my experience, that is largely dependent on the students willingness to practice, in a structured and routine way. Usually, the more practice and repetition, the quicker the progress.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Absolutely! I studied under two outstanding teachers, Donnie Gruendler and Darryl Pierce. I learned a GREAT deal through private instruction, and therefore teach through direct experience; by practically applying subjects that improved my playing (i.e. techniques, concepts, and books).
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
In my experience, structured practice, is most effective. For example, practicing specific concepts and exercises will generally result in quicker progress. While there is something to be said for creative practice, when the student plays any old thing, progress can be much slower; if that unstructured and non-specific route is taken with a practice routine.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I like groove oriented music a great deal. There is nothing like having people dance to your music.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to begin working as a professional musician, when I was about 20 years of age. It was a gradual process, that represents years of hard work and dedication.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Norman to students of all ages and abilities.
We'll then reach out to the teachers for you.
Schedule the risk-free trial lesson directly with the teacher.
Continue with that teacher or try someone else.