Music Lessons in Alton, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

What do I teach? I aim to ensure my students have a mastery of the fundamentals of clarinet playing - such as tone, technique, articulation, and musicianship - and expand their repertoire and musical capabilities through warm-up exercises, etudes, solo repertoire, and orchestral/band excerpts. I teach students efficient practice techniques, how to practice performance, audition preparation, and more. I strive to provide my students with the many valuable lessons learned through music off of the instrument such as building self-confidence, how to take criticism, how to be vulnerable and take risks, teamwork, mindfulness, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching in the St. Louis area since 2001, when I took my first Piano Pedagogy course at Webster University.  I also taught for 2 years in the Los Angeles area.  I have taught children as young as 5 years old and my oldest student was 88.  I encourage regular practice but always attempt to inspire motivation rather than enforce it.  I bring standard piano repertoire and classical literature to the table so that students can discover their preferences and have a clear sense of Music History. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I feel its important to take very basic elements and build upon them. I always like to keep things interesting and fun, yet challenge my students at the same time. Students have different needs, wants, and goals. Its important to consider those things when structuring a music program. If a student wants to be a metal guitarist, Im probably not going to spend a great deal of time teaching them standard guitar chords. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have trained voices of all ages to sing to their full potential, meet their goals and needs, and sing healthy giving your voice longevity, flexibility, range and tone. I do not discriminate against any group, be that age, gender, gender identity, LGBTQ+ community, religious affiliation, etc ad infinitum. People are people, each with worthy of the highest dignity and respect. That is why my teaching style is holistic, considering the body, mind and spirit. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Since we're all different, I try to identify students' goals, interests and abilities as we progress. With few exceptions -- students whose temperament andpersonality dictate completing a book before considering another -- I always choose from a large assortmentof method, performance, classical books from my library. I also have a good collection ofBroadway musicals, jazz books, etc. (My favorite series is the Faber and Faber repertoire.) Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". Read More