Bill L
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Bill L
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
BS Music Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Masters in Music, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville,TN
Honors Teacher of the Year, Cole Elementary School, Antioch, TN, 2011
Frist Educator’s Award, Pencil Foundation, Nashville, TN, 2002
Outstanding Educator Award, Greater Nashville Junior Academy, 1990
Led Gallatin Jr. High Band to Superior Ratings and 1st Place Ranking in Jr High Division, American Music Festival, Nashville ,TN 1985
Led Cole Elementary Chorus to multiple Superior Ratings and 1st Place Ranking Elementary Division, Beech Bend Band and Chorus Festival, Beech Bend, KY, 2013
I am interested in helping others experience the joy of making music. I began playing trumpet at age 11 and went on to play and teach professionally. I reached much success in high school when I was awarded the first chair in the Alabama All-State Band. I then went on to study to be both a performer and educator in college. After graduating, I settled in Nashville, TN where I played professionally from 1979-1997 with Gaylord/Opryland Productions, Nashville, TN. I played literally 100's of shows at Opryland Theme Park, Opryland Hotel and while aboard the General Jackson Riverboat. I have played with country acts such as Crystal Gale ("Don't It Make my Brown Eyes Blue") and Brenda Lee ("Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree'). While still playing semi-professionally, I decided to try my hand at teaching and have been in education since 1984 when I was first hired as band director for Gallatin Jr High School.
I have seen my students achieve success at all levels, from being a beginner to winning a college scholarship to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music! I have taught pre-K through adult instrumental and vocal music. I have taught Jr. High and High School Band. I presently am teaching in Gibson County as a part time public school music teacher since I retired from full time service over 2 years ago. (I just couldn't stay away from it!) Since I started there, I have also been hired by the high school band to be one of their brass instructors. I also lead worship at my church, playing guitar, bass guitar and keyboards. I have started a Youth Praise Band and have taught high school students (with no previous experience) how to play drum set, bass, keyboards and guitar well enough to lead worship for both youth and adults!
I generally use a method book for teaching band or orchestral private students. I also use other resources depending on the needs of the student. I always ask my students what they want to achieve and base my teaching on those goals. ( Of course, I provide guidance in making some of those goals!) For guitar,keyboards, bass and drums, I use method books, but also I teach students how to read "chord charts" or lead sheets. Drummers learn how to play from a drum "grid" (a simple visual tool for teaching what part of the set to play and on what beat or subdivision thereof). I also teach traditional piano and guitar lessons (reading from a method book).
I believe private lessons are a great way for some students just to get "a little more time playing their instrument", but under some great guidance! I also believe for other students who are serious about what they are trying to do, it can make the difference between parents paying college tuition or my student receiving that money through a scholarship. There are also students who just need some reinforcement for what is already being taught them at school. My bottom line is this: I tailor my teaching to what the students goals and interests are. I am an encourager and attempt to always help students improve using truth mixed with caring.
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