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BM, Brigham Young University, Commercial Music
2007 - University of South Florida cello scholarship
2011 - BYU-Idaho cello scholarship 2013 - BYU cello scholarship
2014 - BYU commercial music scholarship
2015 - Played bass with BYU's premier jazz band "Synthesis," played for artists including David Archuleta and Gladys Knight
I first started teaching private music lessons in 2006, when I was in 11th grade in high school. Since then, I've had teaching studios ranging from 1 to 13 students (all while trying to get through school). I've taught lessons on piano, guitar, bass, and cello. Through my experience, I've learned that I do best teaching the bass and the cello. They are my best instruments, and therefore the only instruments I feel confident teaching to others. I want to help students play better, practice better, write better music, improvise better, understand music theory better, find more joy in their craft, and succeed in any of their pursuits.
With the cello and double bass, I use the Suzuki books, along with my own system I've developed. On the bass guitar, I start by focusing on songs that student is already familiar with, and then expand from there. I have all of my students identify songs that they would like to learn on their own, while studying other pieces of music at the same time. I want my students to know how to both read music, and "play by ear." I teach them to really use their ears, to know if they're playing in tune, and if their rhythm and tempo are correct. I also teach them music theory, scales, arpeggios, and improvisation. I also teach students how to play their instruments efficiently, stay relaxed, and avoid injury.
My teaching has been shaped and inspired by many sources - from my own past teachers, to figures such as Bruce Lee (one of my biggest inspirations). I believe that for many problems, there is more than one correct solution, more than one "way." But I have to balance this idea with the fact that sometimes, one solution is better than another. I try to make sure I don't teach with a "my way or the highway" attitude, and let students choose things for themselves, whenever possible. At the same time, there are many ways to play an instrument and do an OK job - but when you want to be able to play anything, no matter how difficult, your options are limited. It is important to know what those options are. Correct technique is essential to becoming proficient on any instrument. Music is fun for me. It is a joy. And I believe that it can and should be a joy for anyone else. If a student isn't progressing, or enjoying their learning, I take responsibility for it.