Music Lessons in South Milwaukee, WI

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

Despite growing up in a family full of musicians, it took me a while before realizing that music was one of my true passions and wanted to share that love of music with others. I have been playing trumpet for nearly 25 years now, first starting formal lessons when I was 10 years old. I began teaching myself guitar in college and have been playing for almost 15 years. Much of my classroom instruction in music was completed during my time at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Read More

Instruments: Piano

During a typical lesson I will hear the pieces my student was practicing the week before, make corrections or suggestions and have them play the piece again. Then I will assign them new pieces and have them play through them making sure they understand what to do and explaining any new concepts and giving suggestions on how to practice. As the students get more advanced I will also have them play scales andexercises and have them work out of a theory book. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lessons always begin with a brief review over what was covered during the previous lesson and what materials were practiced by the student. New concepts and techniques are modeled by me first. I then provide several opportunities for the student to practice this new idea or skill in a variety of ways. I am also a huge fan of incorporating educational games and activities to maintain students' interest in the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

I play in a wide variety of diverse musical groups on various instruments. I have performed with orchestras, big bands, and jazz combos as well as funk, hip hop, and even metal bands, all at a professional level. Although trombone is my main instrument, it has given me the solid foundation to play euphonium and tuba at a high level as well. My strong background in guitar also gave me the skills to learn ukulele, which now make up almost half of my lessons taught. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Throughout the course of my collegiate career, the main method/approach to singing that I have been taught and teach to my own students as well, is that of relying on proper air/breath support to do the "heavy lifting" in singing- NOT putting any stress or tension on your vocal chords! Therefore, my methods/practices consist largely of proper breathing exercises during warmups, but also selecting solo repertoire that focuses on building proper and healthy bridges between your chest/head voice, as to create a smoother, less-noticeable transition that also sustains your voice throughout the course of your singing career. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

For beginning students, I like to stress fundamentals with a twist. I encourage my students to play along with music they like to keep them interested in what they are practicing. As the student progresses, I will either compose a short solo or provide a short solo in which they can apply fundamentals to. For intermediate and more advanced students, I like to let them guide their own instruction. After coming to me with topics they'd like to learn more about, I will provide exercises, musical examples, and pieces to help them assimilate what they have learned with me, to real-world examples. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

We do this- music- to enrich our lives, make us more intelligent and give us inspiration, and this in turn gives other people beauty and inspiration. I'm teaching and playing because I love doing it, and it benefits all facets of my life. That's what I want to see in my students as well. But because we're happy doing it, doesn't always mean it should be easy. We have to practice, practice, and keep practicing. Read More