Music Lessons in Cross Plains, TN

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I first started teaching in high school, where I would help fellow students with upright bass technique and reading music notation. In college, I assisted other musicians in reading jazz charts and interpreting chord symbols. However, it was from the tutelage of my many instructors that helped me craft an effective teaching style. They taught me everything from basic rudiments to principles key to developing an advanced, distinctive playing style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching lessons in college. Most of my early students were elementary-school aged and novice. There, I learned that regular practice must be encouraged to allow interest to begin to pique and passion begin to form. I firmly believe that hard work and discipline go much further than talent alone. I also firmly believe in fun! My most deeply seeded goal is for my students to develop a life-long love and practice of music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who are children I like to start by teaching them the songs that they like, because that keeps them focused on learning and engaged in the beginning. Then I go on to teach them the industry standards and classics that every guitar player needs to know to be effective. Finally I can move on to teaching theory and the reason why songs sound good in the first place all the while doing both Mel Bay and Hal Leonard lessons when applicable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Fiddle

My teaching style is completely dependent on the needs and goals of the student. However, the structure of all my lessons are similar. Half of each lesson will be dedicated to technique and half of the lesson will be dedicated to a piece/tune that the student has chosen and wants to work on. I structure my lessons this way so that way the student has agency in their own learning and can learn the things they want to learn, while also building a strong technical foundation Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

No two students are the same. I pride myself on catering to each individuals need and desire. I do give every student the same basic foundation, but after the foundation is set, the continued direction is entirely up to the student [parent]. In previous years, I've had students who wanted to be the next Beyonce, some who need better technique, and some who just wanted to build upon what they already had. 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: Piano Flute

My teaching style focuses on a student's strengths and successes. Any time a student has an "a ha!" moment, we stop and dissect what exactly happened. Perhaps the student used a new lip placement or air angle? We talk about this and figure out what they did to improve. Next, I encourage that same type of change in other aspects of their playing. I believe you cannot get better at an instrument by focusing on what you do wrong. Read More