Music Lessons in Birmingham, MI

Instruments: Saxophone

I have years of experience performing and teaching both classical and jazz styles, and try to make lessons fun for my students. Having studied some of the most renowned saxophonists in their field, including Timothy McAllister and Eugene Rousseau, I am comfortable teaching saxophonists of all levels. As a performer I have won or placed in numerous competitions through the country, performed a concerto with a professional orchestra for an audience of 3,000, and have have played hundreds of jazz gigs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Music is my passion and driving force, and I love to share that love with others. I graduated from Churchill High School in Livonia, MI after 4 years of drumline and orchestra, and went on to study 2 years of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University. Ive been teaching students ages 5-19 since 2007 and I love it. Lately, my main gig has been working on the roster for the illustrious event/wedding band Bluewater Kings Band. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My biggest goal in teaching students of all walks of life is fostering a life long appreciation and love for music. When I was growing up and learning trombone I found myself removing the emotional parts of creating beautiful music from the instrument and found making music to be a boring part of my day. This taught me a lot about how learning an instrument and the music that comes along with it should be a highlight of one's day. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music Keyboard

I have been teaching private lessons since High School, and have maintained a home studio ever since. I have taught young students of all ages in one-on-one settings in my studio, as well as in classroom settings as a group strings teacher and as an orchestra and general music teacher at a K-8 charter school. I bring with me years of experience in bringing music to life for kindergarteners, teenagers, and everyone in-between (I enjoy teaching adults, too)! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

For beginning students, I start with the traditional Mel Bay (or comparable) beginner books that focus on the fundamentals while building strength and coordination and just build from there.  For students with a little more experience, I like to focus on more challenging exercises and concepts while nurturing their knowledge of music theory and performance.  Each student is different and knowing what motivates them motivates me.  My goal is to have them want to pick up their instrument and play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More