Thomas F
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Saxophone, Music, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Soul, Marching Band
Thomas F
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Saxophone, Music, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 14-80
Bachelor Degree: University of Georgia
I'm a driven and patient teacher with a deep desire to learn and to share knowledge. I've been performing on piano/guitar/saxophone/voice from a very early age and have continued to refine my craft. I've performed in numerous musicals throughout K12 eventually leading to my time at UGA where I received my Bachelors in Music. I've performed with numerous choirs including the Hodgson Singers and I've had the pleasure of performing with the Redcoat Marching Band. During my time in college I had the privilege of performing across the Southeast, at the ACDA National Conference, and with the following Grammy Artists: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, and Usher.
I began teaching privately back in 2014 when I instructed numerous people to help prepare for All State Auditions. My top priority is to instill a love and respect for music in all students. I am someone who knows that fundamentals goes a long way and encourages consistent drilling. I believe that their should always be a goal to work towards to help optimize practice so with me, there will be always be something to strive for. What you will learn is not only proper technique but you will learn history, theory, and the physical aspects of your instrument as well as how to apply these concepts.
Depending on the skill level of the individual I adjust the lesson plans. All students shall do their basic scales and preliminary sight reading. For beginners (of all ages) proper technique will be heavily emphasized. This will include posture and form. We will then evolve into basic classical pieces to learn and continue to build on the fundamentals. With intermediate students we will begin to learn advanced scales and proper audition techniques. These can range from All State, college, and professional auditions. We will also begin working on establishing your repertoire or your "book". For the advanced students (only voice, saxophone, and theory), we will be learning how to break down pieces by learning music theory. Form and analysis will be at the forefront of your performance as it is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of your pieces. History will also begin to play a bigger part but the top priority will be to ensure that efficiency of practice time is taught. Practicing efficiently at a high level is key to reaching a professional status regardless of instrument.
The most important thing is instilling a love of music and the key to this is through a positive attitude. This means that when any student makes a mistake they are treated with respect and kindness and when analyzing any performance I expect that behavior of my students. While we always have something to work towards keeping students from falling into a rut is essential in maintaining good form. So, diversifying the lesson plan is key. In order to do this I do provide a detailed analysis of the progress a student makes every month and areas of interest that students should focus on in the following months. This will include pieces to study and listen to, performers to research, techniques to rehearse, and other key elements. I also make it a point to have an open dialogue with all students regarding mental health. The arts can be draining and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the emotional situation is among one of my top priorities.
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