Music Lessons in Cuyahoga Heights, OH

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching at a small music store in Hollywood, Florida called The Banjo Shop. As the store specialized in Bluegrass music, I was hired to teach students the pop and rock songs being played at that time. I taught there for three years before relocating to North East Ohio. After taking some years off to raise a family I started teaching at GitterPicker String Factory in Twinsburg in 2005. In 2008 I opened my own music studio in Northfield, Ohio called the Olde 8 Guitar Studio and have been teaching ever since! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I am a very kinesthetic teacher. We move around the room a lot during lessons because piano, flute, and voice should be an extension of music that is first heard in the mind (inner hearing/audiation), so note playing/singing is not merely a muscle memory. We sing, tap, or clap 90% of music we learn before we attempt to play it on an instrument or sing it resonantly. Thinking through a vocal line and anticipating the high notes and the openness needed in the body/throat and the breath support needed will help the student discover an unknown freedom and give them tools to help transfer this into other songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I use a variety of method books for drum set, mallet percussion, and snare drum, depending on the student's level and their area of interest. I also share exercises and approaches that I have picked up over the years from teachers and other sources, and I often create exercises on the spot to address the student's unique needs. One of the primary issues that I think is important to address is developing an efficient and effective practice method. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music

There is no one size fits all method for teaching anybody. What’s important is to strike a balance of activities that works for the student, engaging their desire to learn while giving them the structure necessary for success. For example, many students want to learn their favorite pop song or the latest hit from their favorite movie. I want to help them not just play those songs, but use that as a way to learn valuable skills for future musical interests. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My music teaching experience begins with brass, both teaching private trumpet lessons, and assisting with various youth ensembles including the MusicAlliance Honor Band and several high school marching band ensembles. While I continue those engagements, my primary passion lies in directing choir, both youth and adult, as well teaching private voice lessons as I myself continue to study both areas. I have experience teaching classical, choral, jazz, music theatre, and popular styles of singing and can adapt the fundamentals of healthful vocal production to any genre. Read More