Music Lessons in De Soto, KS

Instruments: Violin Viola

I adjust my teaching style to compliment each student individually. My goal is for each student to enjoy playing their instrument, but I believe that the personal improvement of each student is vital for their continued interest and passion. I take it upon myself to make sure that my teaching is resulting in personal enjoyment and improvement! I also believe that studying a musical instrument is useful for developing things like problem solving skills, perseverance, building good habits, having a good work ethic, and being responsible. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums Orchestral Percussion

For the young students who are just starting out in vocal lessons I like to recommend starting with the proper breathing techniques and moving in to singing from the diaphragm and more experienced techniques will follow after that. After we have touched on those techniques we will move in to the performance portion of the lessons and how to connect with the song and then being able to portray the message of the song clearly and efficiently to the audience so that they can connect to the emotions that are coming from the song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

For my methods, it depends on the age of the student and what their ability level is. For a young student, typically children, I would have to cover the fundamentals of music while applying it to piano or flute to help them learn the notes, clefs, time signatures, key signatures, etc. For my lesson plans, it changes from student to student as each student is different and has different needs they need to focus on to better their musical experience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to 1980. I began teaching private students in a local music studio. During my college years, I was a Graduate Assistant. When I am not private teaching, I am working with students in their school district jazz band programs. All of my students are encouraged to participate in their school band programs and solo contests. Read More

Instruments: Piano

In my studio, I listen to the work that the student prepares for the lesson and assist with technical, performance, and musical aspects. We also listen to new music and discuss various aspects of the development of music.For younger students, I have computer based learn to help reinforce fundamentals, and also games that can help keep the learning an exciting and fun-filled experience. For my adults with goals in classical music, I offer in-class study of theory, repertoire, and history. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Growing up in a musical family, I gravitated toward the drums to help round out the family band. My passion for drum set and percussion grew in middle school and high school when I joined concert, marching and jazz bands. I studied music in college, honing my drum set skills with an emphasis in jazz. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in music. While in college, another passion arose: teaching. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience dates back to my time at Washburn University, where I have taught several students. Now I teach at Missouri State University as a part of my assistantship. I encourage regular practice and motivation for students to see results. I have found that allowing students to express how they feel about the songs they sing really helps them become better performers. Also, I encourage watching masterclasses over their songs they have and reading up on the opera or show their song is in. Read More