Music Lessons in Columbia, IL

Instruments: Piano

I use Piano Adventures as the basic course guide. I have found it the most productive and enjoyable for my students. I use a minimum of the Lesson and Theory book for my younger students with either the basic course or Accelerated course depending on their age and maturity. Adults begin with the All In one adult book. I add the other books that accompany each level based on the particular students needs and interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I am very, very laid back as a teacher and as a person. I know that everyone learns at their own pace, and not everyone can give themselves an hour a day to practice. It's really about finding out every student's individual needs and style. I am not strict whatsoever, but I do expect my students to make progress every week. Again, I am not a classical pianist whatsoever, so I'm not the type of teacher to stand over you and hit your hand with a ruler every time you hit a "wrong" note. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching privet lessons more then 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to empathize for younger students, as it tends to help the students progress and gain a passion for the instrument.My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original materials, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar

I have found my way through music primarily as an instrumentalist, though I have enjoyed being able to stretch my talents into both teaching and writing. While studying Jazz at the University of Central Missouri, I was able to pick up a wide range of experiences with concert and classical playing. I had the opportunities to perform multiple times with various musicals on campus as well, on a small range of instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

My first experience teaching music began immediately after graduation college and had continued to the present day. Originating as the music teacher at a girl's club the summer after my college graduation, my music profession soon began. There my eyes were opened to the benefits music has on children. This is also where I learned a lot about myself musically. While teaching music theory, choir & directing the summer musical started its cycle of my evolution here, this was only is beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I attended full time from age 6 until I went to college at 18. I attended Texas Christian University. At that time, the piano faculty was one of the finest in the country. As a student, I began offering piano lessons to elementary aged students, and that got me hooked of teaching. I was fortunate that many of my first students were bright, motivated, and learned very quickly. I taught for 8 years, and then was offered a position with an investment firm. Read More