Music Lessons in Castalian Springs, TN

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin

For my beginning students, I typically start with either Essential Elements 2000 for strings or Sound Innovations. Both books give younger students a grasp on the fundamentals of technique. As they grow I then introduce solo repertoire by using the Suzuki Books but also like to add a fiddle book. Sometimes students gradually go either to fiddle or to classical. I try and encourage what they are more comfortable with. For adults, I try to find out what genre of music they enjoy and try to gauge their ability level with a couple playing evaluations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Flute Clarinet

I like to spend the first lesson figuring out what the student knows so that I can formulate lesson plans that are relevant and chronological. Once a rapport is established, I introduce material that is both accessible and challenging and help the student work through the music. First we work on playing the right notes and rhythms, then we add musicality and expression. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching private lessons while in college, teaching classical, electric and acoustic guitar. For the past 5 years that I have been in Nashville I have been teaching again for the last 2. I have experience in teaching students as young as 5 and as old as 65. There is no age limit on learning! Something I was always told in my lessons both, as a teenager and in college was that it is vastly more important to practice a little each day than to try and cram a marathon session into one day. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone

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 student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

I work with Rubank or any method books provided by their band instructor. There will be supplemental materials, especially for more advanced students, that are instrument specific such as etudes and technical exercises. We will continue focusing on band literature, contemporary, classical, or solo literature depending on the goals of the students and their interests. While there are some general methods, it is best to meet the student where their needs are and tailor the specific methods to those needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

I have a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction/Music from Tennessee State University. No matter the teaching situation, for the student and teacher, preparation and opportunity to learn are key. All aspects of Instrumental and Commercial Percussion are addressed. From the most fundamental to advanced concepts. I have performed at the Tennessee State Day of Percussion, The National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, Mompox and Sinu Jazz Festivals, and The Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I follow the interests of the student and allow that to guide the direction of our study. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. This approach yields better results than forcing a student to stick to a certain method exclusively. I encourage students to divide their practice time into practicing fundamentals and technique, songs that teach them a certain concept or technique, and songs that they would like to perform or play for fun. Read More