Music Lessons in Council Bluffs, IA

Instruments: Piano

I prefer to instruct out of the James Bastien method books for the student's main lesson assignments. However, I also encourage students to bring and play out of books that inspire and motivate them individually. This keeps lessons lighthearted and keeps the student interested in the next lesson in my experience. I set realistic weekly and monthly goals for my students so I'm able to gauge how the student has performed, as well as how they should be instructed going forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Music is my passion. I believe that music is able to connect us in ways that words and actions simply cannot. I have been playing music in some form for over 20 years. I play trumpet and piano. In college, I was a lead trumpet player for the UNL Cornhusker Marching Band. My experience in music has taught me that there is more to playing an instrument than simply following a sheet of music and playing notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always want my students to have a very positive experience taking lessons and never to feel as if there is too much pressure put on them. Every student is different so I don't have a specific teaching formula. I always ensure that the student is moving at a comfortable pace for them while still being challenged and learning new things. I am always quick to acknowledge every small bit of progress that they make and focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I have performed with a wide variety of ensembles, including concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestras, brass quintets, and woodwind quintets. Notable examples include the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Celestial Winds, and the Chicagoland Educator's Orchestra, Lincoln Municipal Band, and Hastings Symphony Orchestra. In addition to my performance and teaching experience, I am currently engaged in research about the construction of instruments that are the precursors to modern brass instruments. I have received funding from two separate grants provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and have already presented my research at the UNL Husker Horn Day, and at the Western Illinois University Horn Festival. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My approach fits with the student and parental desire. Once we know those parameters, we can proceed and make it work in the best way for the students success. I always take time to understand where the student is coming from, their goals, the parent goals. I’ll adjust my style based on how much desire there is, how much time they and what their current goals are for music, drumming and whatever else they’re striving for. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Drum set and marching percussion have been my passion since 2008. Through these instruments I've had the opportunity to meet hundreds of musicians from all over the US as well as travel much of the country. Performing everywhere from State Fair bandstands, to stadiums, to coffee shops, I've found there's always something new to see and someone new to meet. The opportunity to work with artists as varied as the musicians from Sioux City Symphony, to the great jazz guitarist Mike Stern has been incredible. Read More