Piano Lessons Southwest

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

Beginning students for woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone) usually start with the Essential Elements book. As they advance the next books are usually Breeze Easy book 2 followed by the Rubank Intermediate and Advanced Methods. Advanced students will break into instrument specific methods. Flute with use methods such as The Melodious Studies and Pares scales books, clarinets with use the Klose books and Saxophone students will use Ferling and Klose studies. Students wishing to study jazz methods will use either the Jim Snidero or Walt Weiskopf methods. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin

For piano beginners I use the Faber book series. I prefer these books because it gives a mixture of theory and technique that I think is essential to learn at an early stage. For violin beginners I prefer to use the Suzuki Method books. These books are great because they get the student playing quickly, while still introducing the foundations of basic theory for reading music. Beginning guitar is a little more flexible depending on the students goals and the style they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Organ, Accordion, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is overall fairly laid back. I let my students set the pace, but I also expect them to be passionate, curious, and hard-working. I love to encourage students as they explore different areas of their playing, and try different ideas. I push my students just out of their comfort zone, and force them to take risks. I encourage musical open mindedness, which means I truly think that there is value in all different styles of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice

For beginning piano students I typically use the Alfred Method. Once the student demonstrates a grasp of the fundamentals I introduce solo repertoire. For adults I typically use the John Thompson Adult Piano Course and we work together to find the solo repertoire. For voice lessons, I typically teach the bel canto style. I will work with vocalises that help develop breath control, placement and open vowels. I also use the Music Theory for Singers program to teach Music Theory and also use solfeggi to build sight singing skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Ukulele, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Depending on the age and personality, I cater each lesson to the individual. If they are younger students, I'll use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books, but sometimes I will make a custom book that builds with their development and learning style. I believe reading sheet music is important, but understand that being able to play along with other musicians using ear training and improv skills, as well as reading chord charts, is just as necessary. Read More