Piano Lessons in Ortonville, MI

Instruments: Piano

Ever since 1990's, the decade I began teaching piano, I begin to understand that each student is unique, and learns music differently. As a result, the fun part comes trying to figuring out how to personalize lessons for each of my students. That means there are times when the available method books may not work out. But at the same time, the motivation and push is what will generally drive students to work hard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I rely on Alfred's Piano Library as it's proven to be a thorough approach to learning, exercising and memory. After some discussions about what resonates with the student, we will both explore options we can really dig into and present in concert format later. I will also introduce counter material for a better overall perspective of how things work, why they do and don't work (depending on the setting) and to better understand those same elements in different contexts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every stage is different. With beginners, you want them to learn the notes first, then the chords, the harder chords..etc. With intermediate players, you can begin teaching them songs and giving them songs to work on. Advanced players is all about finding the right tone and the right sounds, most likely helping by providing guitar work with them. It all depends on the student! But I know that for children, you start with the basics and work your way up! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Double Bass

I generally use Alfred for piano, both the children's and adult's versions. I use Hal Leonard for guitar. For both violin and double bass, I generally use either Belwin or Essential Elements. However, some students prefer to not use a method book at all and that is fine. Also, some have different method books they like, which is also fine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

During the first lesson I have the student sing (if it is a vocal lesson) their favorite song so I can hear them. After that i use my keyboard and take the student through some excersizes to really home in on that range. I listen for qualities and we discuss the positives and what improvements are needed. After the first lesson we choose music: a classical art song book and theory book of my choosing, and a songbook of the student's choosing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have over twenty years of experience in teaching public classes and private lessons. I have a great joy in discovering breakthrough moments where everybody can work together towards achieving their personal goals. Though it is true that every person is unique and different, it is always great where folks can get together and share the love that is music whether that be performing or simply sharing a tune with a loved one or neighbor. Read More