Guitar Lessons in Ferndale, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music is my calling in life. My career in teaching started 30 + years ago and it has truly been a pleasure to see my students light up when they learn the songs they love. I started by offering private lessons in 1992 and soon had many requests from other students. I offer lessons for both electric and acoustic guitar as well as piano. Along with instrumental lessons, I teach music theory workshops for song-writers and music engineering workshops for musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Electric Violin Fiddle Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I have had a passion since I was 6 years old for music, I recieved B.S in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Central Michigan University and an Associates in Dance from University of Michigan. During which times I also performed with Flint Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Michigan Symphony, and the Symphony Orchestra of Leon. I have received the level of Miestre or Master in Capoiera (African Brazilian Dance Marital Art) because of this training I am a Master Djembe Player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is to help one discover a love for music. When I was learning, the best way I got excited was by learning through what I liked. That helped me get excited for playing music, and more interested in learning the complexities in music. By acknowledging what the student likes and their strengths, I can help focus them on how to reach the dreams they desire. I give my students a positive attitude with no judgement of their skill level. Read More