Music Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard

I've noticed over the years that the age old "book-first-music-later" approach to teaching can actually stifle the creative spirit in young students and hinder their growth or even discourage them all together and as a result they lose interest and move on. That being said learning to read is just as important as the other aspects of music literacy and therefore is a major part of my teaching method. For more advanced or adult students I'm going to spend some time finding out what your goals are and then we'll craft a game-plan to get you there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Music, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I find it is very essential to make sure the student understands proper left hand and right hand technique before getting into the thick of theory. It's important that a student can play the instrument comfortably before they have to worry about playing in time, reading notation, etc. I've used Mel Bay and Hal Leonard books in the past, and I am also open to any literature the student may have. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Organ, Recorder, Euphonium, Mallet Percussion, Music, Keyboard

When it comes to beginning band students, I will typically use the Standards of Excellence book. But, depending on the students and their abilities, I will try Essential Elements, as well. For piano students, I will use Bastien Piano Basics, Fabor Piano Adventures or Alfred's Basic Piano, depending on the age group. After the students start to understand the foundation and fundamentals of their instrument, then I will find a piece of music for them to learn as a soloist. Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Trumpet, Music

You can hear samples of my music at CD Baby on a recent album called Dreams. You can also just Google me and the music samples should come up. I have had the great experience over the past 20 years of teaching trumpet and guitar to many students and I have also had the pleasure of teaching in a youth choir as well as an adult choir setting. I am not a teacher who is hoping to have a whole bunch of lessons students at this point in my career. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Synthesizer, Recorder, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, English Horn, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard

My style is very personal and decorated around the specific goals of the student. I utilize several lesson books that I have already purchased, however I also create pertinent lesson plans personally. Some are created right on the spot as we are in the lesson itself. I find that this gives the student a more specifically specialized guide for their direct needs surrounding any subject matter. I have no problems with creating homework assignments as I notice that a student is having a particular issue with any given subject! Read More