Bass Lessons in Poletown, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

I have been teaching music, mainly guitar and piano, off and on for almost 15 years. My style varies on the age of the student, what they hope to achieve and where their strengths lie.  I feel it's important for the student to learn the fundamentals while simultaneously having fun with their instrument and exploring the music they feel passionate about.  For me, the trick is inspiring the student to pick up their instrument everyday and want to play it. Read More

Instruments: Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

For beginners I like to start with the basics of how the voice works and the proper techniques to use it. We always spend time at the end singing something they want to sing, it's important to not feel pressured into music. We will build a repertoire of songs the student is connected to and work towards a set list for a showcase. My more advanced students, I enjoy pushing them in ways that don't seem to make sense but when they feel the change in their voice they understand. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

Depending on a student's interests, I could start with several books like Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist (for all-around bass playing). If reading skills are a main goal of a student's focus, I use repertoire from the standard canon and IMSLP. I feel that improvisation is an often overlooked key to self-expression and mastery of one's instrument, so I introduce concepts used in making up solos and some theory as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is laid back with the full intention of moving forward in both technique and enjoyment. Each Lesson is geared toward the Goals we agree on as Student and Teacher. Depending on age and experience, I set goals at 3 months or 6 months. It is crucial to allow the student to learn at his or her own rate. Again, I strive to find the Creativity in the Student and to see how that can be developed as quickly as possible, especially if they are interested in songwriting, singing, composition, or simply doing their "own thing". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to give fun, free feeling lessons. While I go into each lesson with a goal in mind, I enjoy going on brief tangents for life lessons, performance tips, or applicable and funny stories. I am known to be very animated and energetic as a teacher and I have learned that students feed off of this energy, allow us to be more productive which results in outcomes that are significantly greater. I like to focus on fundamentals and excellent musical character before working into repertoire and I have had a great deal of success with my students, having used this approach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar

My lessons will be pretty focused on music theory so that, in time, the student will be able to make their own music with ease. For new beginners, I'd likely ask which song they wanted to learn. And then I'd teach it to them, while also explaining scales, how to build chords, and the theory used in the song. Because my favorite part of playing music is improvisation, that's my go-to goal for the student, but I'm always willing to adjust my teaching methods accordingly. Read More