Piano Lessons in Warren, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I play and so does my younger brother. I had to work at playing in order to develop my love for music. I have played for over 45 years and still enjoy it every day.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Since I was about 14 years old, I wanted to be a professional musician. At the time, my parents encouraged me to pursue other fields due to their understanding of having a solid career with consistent earnings. When I was 28 years old, I decided to listen to my life long calling to be a musician!

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I play guitar and piano. Early on I saw similarities to certain music. These similarities assisted my musical education due to the fact I could see things from many different angles.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Something in the field of creative arts. I am most happy when I am working in an artistic field. Have pursued a music career for over 30 years. My success is due to the fact that I love teaching and have enjoyed music all of my life.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy rock, blues, jazz and country music. They all have elements of challenge and I appreciate each of these styles. I am fluent in each style...I play what Im feeling for that day.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I like many songs. Most recently I have been playing ballads from Wes Montgomery and Eric Clapton. It is fascinating to see how these songs were arranged.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I like Mel Bay, Hal Leonard and my own books from Conduire Music Publishing. I have written 8 top selling. books during the last 12 years that sell to students, teachers, professional instructors, University professors and professional musicians from around the world.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Playing and practicing includes four main categories: Learning chords, playing scales, studying music theory and playing your favorite songs. Challenge yourself to new levels in all of these categories.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My education and area of study are business and customer service excellence. I learned valuable math and finance skills in college which were the platform to understanding the sustainability of a successful business.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Timing that is related to both technique and feel. I believe feel always outweighs technique in musical expression. Feel is something that can be demonstrated, yet this has to be developed by the students.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I have had several students that are university graduates with Music Degrees. Some of these are professional touring and recording artists today. Others are successful studio musicians.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have had a life long interest in the principles of music theory. Music theory provides formulas to understand what chords and scales go together in musical composition.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My parents loved music. My teachers were all very accomplished musicians. I learned correct information from each teacher and played musical styles I enjoyed. Each of my teachers challenged me to pursue my desire to be a very good musician.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Guitar is the instrument that I felt most drawn to and comfortable with. I understood the the shapes of chords and patterns of scales better on guitar than previous instruments.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Being consistent is the key to success. As you see your own progress, you will want to play more! Playing the guitar is enjoyable, challenging and exciting.

When will I start to see results?
After the very first lesson. Progress is on-going. There are many types of success in playing music. Playing songs, gaining self confidence, and also enjoying a positive activity.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Your child will continue to ask you about starting music lessons. They will show you their desire to learn by following through with their weekly assignments and learning songs.

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