Music Lessons in Apex, NC

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students, I start with the basics and like to teach from the Hal Leonard fundamentals books, but it also depends on the type of student. Some are more visual learners whereas others might be more auditory inclined. I modify my teaching style to accommodate the student. Understandably, theory can get mundane, but I try to make learning fun and applicable so a lot of what I teach directly involves playing on the keys instead of writing things in books. Read More

Instruments: Piano

When working with younger students, my approach is twofold. First, I like to work with Alfred's Basic Series to establish a solid goundwork for reading music and mastering technique. Second, I like to cater the lessons to the student's particular interest, whether preparing solo pieces, practicing theory through ear training and sight reading, or writing compositions. For adults, I like working together to determine the student's goals to keep music-making challenging and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

In college have had the opportunity to work as a music instructor to a studio with over 20 students on a weekly basis. The students ranged in age from 5 to 70. This gave me a good perspective on how to directly connect with each student to ensure that we are exploring the best concept of learning for the individual. Drum set lessons are always more groove oriented first and I do encourage becoming comfortable learning from an aural perspective before tackling reading music and understanding theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning piano students, I typically start with Faber's Piano Adventures. I also use these books as a foundation for intermediate students. After students have grasped the basics, I will talk with them to determine their interest in different musical styles and songs. I will then add in supplementary material to go alongside the Piano Adventures books to give them a broader range of musical ability. Violin lessons are a combination of the Suzuki Method and Strings Builders. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music has held a major position in my life since I was very young. I began composing music before I was in school. I began taking piano lessons when I was four years old. I studied voice and was trained by professional choir director Bill Graham for several years. I played trumpet in middle school and was first chair. I toured nationally with the NC boys choir. I picked up guitar at age fourteen and began teaching myself. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginners, I start by focusing on developing a good sound and ensuring that the student knows what a good sound is and what it is not. Air is the foundation of a good sound so, in my introductory lessons, I focus heavily on breathing and air support. This is a foundation that is continued throughout the time the student continues to take lessons. I then begin to work with the student on fundamentals such as articulation, slide control, intonation, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin

  My approach to teaching is to make lessons fun and enjoyable in a comfortable and relaxed setting to allow the student fullconcentration on each lesson. But, also to provide the necessary guidance and encouragement to challenge and motivate students to improve and develop natural strengths and new skills. I have a good selection of method books and materials to fit each student's level of musicianship and choice of playing style(s) to extend upon their interests and goals. Read More