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BM, Iowa State University, Vocal Performance
I'm a progressive and dedicated instructor who loves to share his personal experience with traditional and non-traditional music. While in college I had the opportunity to sing in several different choral settings (chamber, mixed, men's, small group acapella men's, quartets) working with many different styles and eras of musical composition and arrangement. My senior year also included the opportunity of a tour in South Korea exploring their awesom choral traditions. Aside from vocal music, I also played in the wind ensemble on trumpet and had my own funk outfit outside of classes to fullfill my own creative direction. After graduating in the Winter of '11 I moved to Colorado to find a better audience for the funk, jazz and fusion music that I have personally gravitated towards. I've played most of the major venues in Denver, Boulder and the Front Range opening for giants like Victor Wooten and John Medeski, and currently am pursuing my Masters this upcoming Fall for Jazz Composition.
I have taught lessons, throughout college and after, with interests ranging from classical to jazz, rock and pop. Engaging oneself musically every day is a motto of mine, keeping the motions and techniques sharp, as well as the elements of time and immersion that exponentially promote growth and creativity. If there is anything worth learning it is definitely anything that sounds good to you! A good basis of technique and classical styles is huge and I strongly encourage these before anything, but creativity and personal expression are important concepts to invest in. Finding your strengths and interests in music is crucial to keeping it fresh and enjoyable; because music, like everything else is an investment of time and effort, and the only way to grow is to do it right and frequently.
I want new students to have fun and learn things that are interesting to them and benefitial to their musical journey. Children should get their beginnings in technique books and eventually music that stimulates further growth and interest; and adults, like the kids, importance is placed on technique, but even moreso, good practice techniques! As adults we quickly lose patience and revert to bad habits when it comes to practice, and that slows growth, develops poor technique and narrows our abilities to only what we currently know. A logical, methodical approach combined with creative direction and catering to interests is how I do. Making music fun is important!
Making goals that are challenging, but realistic is the best way to grow! I want to help students wrap their heads around how the musical world works and their instruments, and I want to do it effectively and efficiently. Building good practice techniques is a must. Once we have an understanding that the fun comes with hard work and patient progress, the longing for an "over-night mastery" won't be as strong. Enjoying every step of the way makes music what it is!