Music Lessons in La Vista, NE

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Tuba

My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a love for music and the skills to pursue individual musical interests effectively. The goal is to become a "musician", not just learn the rudiments of playing an instrument or singing properly. Thus, I include a lot of focus on expressive musicality - even early on - as well as a deliberate and purposeful inclusion of history, culture, and related topics; even some psychology! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students I really get to know where the student is at in their learning experience. I try to individualize the learning experience as much as possible, learning about the student's background his or her interests in music. Also, I would track the student's progress carefully taking notes about lessons to better guide them in their musical journey. Above all striving to foster a great curiosity to learn! Learning music is so rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I’ve been playing drums for about 35 years. I’ve toured the entire US including some European countries. I’ve been on record labels, played many live shows of all types. I’ve also c-written songs, produced, engineered, and performed on quite a few successful albums. I started drumming in the 5th grade and continued through high school. I then starting focusing on performance and song writing. I joined some original bands and began building those songs and albums to make those bands successful. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I grew up in a musical household and took lessons in viola, piano, handbells, and guitar before I convinced my parents that voice was my true musical passion. I took voice lessons throughout middle school, high school, and majored in music my first year at college. I have taught many informal vocal lessons to friends and family, but am new to studio teaching! I am creative and enjoy finding new ways to help students reach their goals! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I prefer to instruct out of the James Bastien method books for the student's main lesson assignments. However, I also encourage students to bring and play out of books that inspire and motivate them individually. This keeps lessons lighthearted and keeps the student interested in the next lesson in my experience. I set realistic weekly and monthly goals for my students so I'm able to gauge how the student has performed, as well as how they should be instructed going forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I have performed with a wide variety of ensembles, including concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestras, brass quintets, and woodwind quintets. Notable examples include the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Celestial Winds, and the Chicagoland Educator's Orchestra, Lincoln Municipal Band, and Hastings Symphony Orchestra. In addition to my performance and teaching experience, I am currently engaged in research about the construction of instruments that are the precursors to modern brass instruments. I have received funding from two separate grants provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and have already presented my research at the UNL Husker Horn Day, and at the Western Illinois University Horn Festival. Read More