Music Lessons in Azalia, MI

Instruments: Clarinet

I believe that every student's learning should be catered to for their individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Approaching every student as if they are different than the one previously ensures that there is assessment of needs in every lesson. I believe that every student regardless of their ability level will learn something, and should have the opportunity to learn music. Usually for my younger students, we start with whatever book they are learning from in school, and focus on one new scale or two every week depending on how quickly they advance. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I have taught many private students in the past in a variety of different age groups, instruments, and musical genres. I am currently doing field work each week working with younger students in classrooms at schools such as Saline Middle School and Ann Arbor STEAM. I have experience in marching band, lead trombone playing in jazz big band, solo work/jazz combo playing, musical theater music/pit playing, and classical playing. 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: Clarinet Music

Other method books by Cavallini, C. Rose, Baerman, Stark, Kell, Opperman and many more will be used to expand repertoire and push the limits of technique. Additionally, Solo repertoire from my extensive collection of music will be assigned. For students interested in auditioning for youth orchestras or bands and competing in competitions , lessons will be committed to audition preparation and technical development through scales and arpeggios. Metronome work with small increments is key to developing clean technique on the clarinet. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

I hope to emulate some of my great teachers including Robert Hurst, Cecil McBee, John Lockwood and others. Of course regular practice is necessary, but listening is also key to advancement. Besides regular warmups and technical workouts, I encourage every student to transcribe, sing and play along with music they like. My students will not only learn the ins and outs of their instruments, but also will learn to make their own music through improvising and composing.--Some of my experience includes almost a decade of national and international touring plus several years teaching ensembles and in classrooms at the university leve. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The best part of teaching is seeing the look in my student's eyes as something finally clicks for them. Helping students grow into independent musicians is my main goal as a teacher. I do this through helping the students understand all of the moving parts of music, like the theory behind what they are playing, so that they are able to transfer their knowledge to whatever music they will work on next. Read More