Music Lessons in Deep Ellum, TX

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My teaching style stems from my philosophy that music is a language. So my approach is focused on using the skills and knowledge while "speaking", or playing, with other musicians. That is why my approach is focused on jamming. After the student can understand how to make the instrument sound, I immediately give them the oppertunity to put their skills into practice. I will take time from each lesson to just jam with the student and allow them to explore the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ

In order to succeed at the keyboard, a student's technique must be ahead of their literature. This is why I use a well-developed system of technical exercises that are easy to understand and implement that allows the student to quickly gain mastery of the instrument. These techniques were thoroughly developed and taught by my mentor, Dr. Jill Sprenger, and I have seen students of all types succeed with them. I also use a self-paced program of theory skills and ear-training exercises that complement the wide variety of literature that excites each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I try to keep things lighthearted and fun, but also demand a lot from my students and hope for regular practice to push them to new heights. Music is fun, but with hard work the lessons will pay off with the reward of improved music ability. I always incorporate music that the student is interested in and challenge them to be able to play their favorite songs. I tailor my lessons to fit the needs of the student, and cater to all different types of students. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

No matter the skill level, fundamentals are of importance. As brass players we are using flesh against metal, learning how to do so correctly is vital. I always start with a breakdown of what should be included in their daily fundamentals, from long tones to lip slurs to scales and so on. It is as vital as an athlete stretching and conditioning for their health. Throughout our lessons we will vary the fundamentals, showing them different exercises so that we make sure not to fall in a routine but rather focus on the role that the fundamentals play. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

Sound is the most important aspect of trumpet playing, and the good thing is you can practice pretty much anything and still focus on your sound. For beginners I usually supplement their beginner band book with some simple drills from Schlossberg's Daily Drills or some I wrote myself. The Clarke's Technical Studies and Arban's Complete Conservatory Method are great books as well that I use with most of my intermediate/advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I believe that it is important to tailor lessons to my individual students, helping to foster a love of music and learning. I think it is important for my students to have goals that they are striving to achieve. They can be big goals, like making it into a college of choice, but I also think small ones are important, like mastering the Bb major scale. We work towards goals and celebrate accomplishments together to help drive each student's passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. Acknowledging accomplishments, as well as constructively giving concrete and ways to improve, helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. I can successfully tailor my instruction to their strengths and needs. Read More