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Bachelor Degree: University of Wisconsin Platteville , Master Degree: American College of Education
Collegiate Accompanist of 17 groups
MCPS Honors Chorus Accompanist
I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Choral and General Music Education. I have taught piano for 14 years, voice for 10 years, and guitar for 3 years. Performing all over the midwest and areas of the east coast has been one of the greater experiences of my life as a musician, and I've had the opportunity to accompany over 30 musicals. I find that students excel the best and they are playing music they enjoy and are taught skills and musical theory within those songs.
My teaching experience dates back to my youth, as I began teaching private lessons at the age of 15. I have been consistently teaching students in their homes since then, with the most students since graduating from college. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Music is fun! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Students are able to select their own music and share their interests with me. This results in more fun!
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I develop professional relationships with each of my students and help them foster their craft.
Luke taught 4 of my boys and they all said he was the best piano teacher they ever had! He is flexible and adaptable to meet you and/or your kids’ goals. My goal was just for them to love piano and he succeeded! He is an amazing pianist and accomplished in improv/jazz as well. He’s also just a great person and role model!
Luke is an amazing teacher! First, he is very flexible with scheduling and very communicative. Second, he is so great with kids. Last, very talented in so many areas. I had one child just learning, and another doing advanced jazz. Could not be happier with him as a teacher!
Luke taught our older daughter for about a year. One of the best things about his teaching style is he makes learning piano fun for beginners and experienced alike. My daughter went from not knowing how to read music to playing fairly well and reading music in a short amount of time. He was very patient with our daughter and encouraged her when she needed the push. We were looking for someone who was not too strict and could keep our daughter stay engaged. He was great with that. My daughter also took part in 2 recitals that he sponsored for his students. It was great to see her build her confidence and get encouragement from older students. I'd highly recommend Luke.
Luke taught our two boys ages 8 and 10 and they went from begrudgingly agreeing/being forced to try piano to just wandering over to the piano and practicing new songs just for fun. We were all devastated when he had to move away from Maryland - his new students in Utah will be lucky to have him!