Music Lessons in Azalia, MI

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is fun and effective. I find that a huge percentage of issues people face are themselves, so I employ fun techniques to overcome obstacles. An example would be a student I currently have who gets tense as she approaches higher notes- I will have her toss a ball back and forth as a distraction technique and it's amazing that a beautiful, free high note come right out! Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My name is Aaron; I am a teacher and performer, based in the Metro-Detroit area. I am currently a graduate bass trombone student at the University of Michigan, studying with Dr. David Jackson. This past summer, I was chosen as one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association's Donald Yaxley Solo Bass Trombone Competition. My primary teachers include Steve Wolfinbarger and David Jackson, and I have also taken lessons and performed masterclasses with Jeremy Wilson, Massimo LaRosa, Nick Schwartz, Ken Thompkins, Evan Conroy, and Randy Hawes. Read More

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. 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: Voice

Her awards include; 2nd Place in the Graduate Division of the Conrad Art Song Competition, the Shirley Verett Young Artist Honorable Mention from the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, and was Second Place in the Junior Division at the NATS Regional Competition. She has performed notable roles such as; Amanda in The Carp, Kitty in The Golden Girl, Lady Psyche in Princess Ida, Shirley Kaplan in Street Scene, Tessa in The Gondoliers, Cecily in La Divina, Adele in Die Fledermaus, 2nd Woman in Dido and Aeneas, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Each student learns differently and has trouble with differnt things, therefore I adapt the way I teach a student based on their needs, learning style and skill level. What the student is interested in is also very important in order to keep the student engaged. Most topics can be taught using various types of music that the student is interested in. Read More