Piano Lessons in Union Lake, MI

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

My methods are adaptable based on the student's previous or current instruction with private teachers or their school teachers. For all students I love to play along and model concepts for them. I involve a lot of kinesthetic movement based lessons along with visual and aural aids. I get to know the type of learner my student is and then plan my instruction to fit their learning style. I am a fan of etudes and short technical exercises as well as long tones for intermediate to advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching as a teenager when I was in Ann Arbor's psychedelic rock band SPROTON LAYER. I have taught friends and family off and on for many years. During the economic crash in 2009, I took a course on Teaching to understand different age groups and varied approaches in learning. Since then, I have taught steadily and found it very rewarding. One of the hardest things to get across to the Student is that the single most important thing to do is Play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students developed a passion and desire for music. Therefore, not only is it about what pieces I want to teach, but also what songs or pieces my students are interested in learning. That is why I ask my students from time to time, "What do you want to learn?" Depending on their level, we decide if we can learn it or wait. I also try to make my students share the process of finding out information; Read More