Music Lessons in Country Club Hills, MO

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". 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: Voice

Also known under my stage name Lady Mak, I am currently the lead female vocalist for Missouri based band, Spontaneous Serendipity.  I've made it to the producer rounds for popular TV shows Duets, American Idol, The Voice, and Americas Got Talent.  I was also invited by the Kansas City Chiefs organization to perform at half time for the Breast Cancer Awareness game on October 13, 2013 for a sold out Arrowhead Stadium. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

For intermediate and advanced students, I like to figure out what kind of popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop) that they would like to play and learn more about, and then learn repetoire or basic techniques in that particular genre. Again, I specialize mainly in popular styles, and am not much of a classical player. My hope is to give intermediate and advanced classically trained students a good foundation in popular styles, and once the foundation is there, start working on repetoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I consider a number of variables when determining what and how to teach guitar to a student. First, I have to know what kind of music the student enjoys. Next, I need to know what level guitar player they are. If Im teaching a beginning guitarist, I will typically spend a majority of the lesson utilizing fun methods to build basic technique. If a student doesnt have a technical foundation, it may not benefit them to present them with music theory in the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

What do I teach? I aim to ensure my students have a mastery of the fundamentals of clarinet playing - such as tone, technique, articulation, and musicianship - and expand their repertoire and musical capabilities through warm-up exercises, etudes, solo repertoire, and orchestral/band excerpts. I teach students efficient practice techniques, how to practice performance, audition preparation, and more. I strive to provide my students with the many valuable lessons learned through music off of the instrument such as building self-confidence, how to take criticism, how to be vulnerable and take risks, teamwork, mindfulness, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

My teaching experience began at the age of thirteen. I gave lessons out of my home in Webster Groves, Missouri. I have been teaching students out of my home for thirty plus years. I will also go to the home. I like to encourage students to practice daily. Each student has a practice log which they have to fill out on a weekly basis. My job is to provide structure and consistency within a framework that is also fun for each students. Read More