Michael F  
Instruments: Voice, Saxophone, Flute, Recorder, Tuba
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Funk, Hip Hop, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Marching Band

I've been blessed to have a very diverse variety of music and teaching job experiences. I began teaching private lessons as a Middle School Music Mentor with the Lied Center for Performing arts for LPS students my first year of University. Since then, I've also worked as a Visual and Music Tech for Lincoln High School's marching band, judged the Links Marching Band Contest, worked as a substitute Para Educator in Special Education in the middle, high school, and vocational school settings, and was the Music Director for the 2014 Penguin Project production of Annie Jr., the winner of a Mayor's Arts Award for that year. 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! Learning music is a process of mentorship and exploration, and that's how I like to teach.

In beginning students, it's always important to start out working with a methods book; they're a great starting and reference point. Additionally, we'll need a second book of excerpts and exercises for consistency. The specific book that we'll work out of depends on what sorts of music you like: classical, jazz, pop, music theatre, and so on. Even from the onset, you should make the kinds of music, style, and sounds you like the most. As the fundamental skill set (tone, technique, strength, etc) is built, we'll slowly include more solo works to develop a performable repetoire. This applies to all ages; regardless of your ability level, you need to be practicing the fundamentals of the instrument, as well as the fundamentals of music (making a joyful noise!), and finally the fundamentals of performance practice (learning & practicing effecting performance).