Music Lessons in De Soto, KS

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in a student learning to hear music and think for themselves. Through ear training, creativity, and learning "how" music works, the goal is to get each student to not need a teacher to learn their instrument, but want a teacher so they may become their best version of it. I focus on this as a primary value in my studio. In lessons, we'll use formulas and concepts to understand "why" things sound good, and "how" we actually get better. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

It depends on age, skill, and interests! For younger musicians, I prefer books by great instructors and writters such as Hal Leonard, Jean Arban, Rubank, or Jamie Abersold. For more experienced players, I recommend authors such as Charles Collins, Herbert Clarke, Laurie Frink, or John McNeil. I have always enjoyed taking important concepts from these books and creating my own variations of the exercises that tailor to even more specific techniques and skills! Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a teacher, the biggest reward is hearing how students, who have never cared for music in the past, develop a new love for it after being in my class. My teaching style is to make learning fun for my students. It is also important to me that students set their own goals and take ownership of their learning. It is my job to guide them to those goals and to celebrate when those goals are accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe each student has unique gifts. I love watching my students thrive by encouraging self-exploration as we learn about music. If a student loves playing by ear, we seek knowledge of composition more, if they are inspired to play Star Wars, we add that to the repertoire. If a good solid foundation is built through the sequential lesson books along with motivating material, retention is higher. Encouragement of progression at his or her own pace by understanding each students gifts, along with realistic goals and practice, aids in well rounded musicians. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I ask my students what it is they are trying to accomplish with me. Typically I look for goals that I know the student can accomplish if they apply themselves. I love nothing more than seeing them push themselves and watch them improve their playing to a level they originally thought they could not achieve. The problem is most students come in assuming they aren't good simply because they aren't at the same level as someone else. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students who are new to music, I typically like to start with learning notes, note names, and rhythms. I like to incorporate rhythmic exercises and other fun activities to get them to enjoy what they are learning. For adults, I try to find out how much the student knows about music and see what their interests are. Based on what the student knows, I guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging, fun, and knowledgable. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I teach using the ItalianBel Cantoschool of thought on singing. This style of singing promotes vocal hygiene and longevity by focusing on supporting vocal sound using the breath rather than relying 100% on the muscles of the throat. While attending KSU, I had the privilege of studying with Dr. Reginald Pittman, current Regional governor of the West Central Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and head of the voice division at KSU. Read More