Music Lessons in Downtown, AZ

Instruments: Piano Voice

I incorporate a variety of method books and approaches to learning music, believing that there is no one method for every student. For piano, my favorite methods are Faber and Faber's Piano Adventures, but I enjoy utilizing supplemental material from a variety of genres. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer

The first lesson I will assess the students playing to get to know them and their goals so we can get started right away. For beginners we'll be focusing heavily on Syncopation and Stick Control, two excellent books. When the student has a grasp on the basics we will work on dynamic control, limb independence, sense of time and ear training. Intermediate lessons include advanced poly-rhythms, trading fours together in different time signatures, fine tuning the drums and advanced sight reading. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am kind, patient and knowledgable . I have over 30 years of experience with youth through seniors and love every minute of sharing music with my students. Music theory, chord building, note reading,rhythm studies and improvisation skills are part of every lesson. Even though I specialize in Classical Guitar I enjoy teaching pop, folk, jazz, blues, country and more. I do teach note reading but I also encourage the use of tab as a tool for learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Once a lesson plan has been established with a student, I progress them through each lesson with specific goals. My goal is to infuse the student with understanding but also wonder and awe as to how music is created. There is always something worth praising in a student, and I am always sure to do that in our lessons after every performance. I always make sure we discuss (1) what did we like about that performance, and (2) what are things we could do to make it better. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Shirley has an extensive performance record with various churches in the valley as well as back east. She accompanied the Marshallette Trio on Doyle Blackwood's weekly TV show on channel 3 for several years and also accompanied singers on TBN. She has done studio work with various artists. She has been into many different genres of music and have played in many different kinds of settings as accompanist, and soloist for weddings, lounge music, classical, church etc. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

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. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I teach the basics of flute playing including how to produce a beautiful tone, how to play with good posture, how to play rhythms and articulations properly, how to sight read and how to play standard flute repertoire. Beyond this though, I believe students who have a firm grasp of how music theory, music history and musical style combine can play with greater musical understanding and expression. This kind of musical training also increases students capacity to enjoy music as listeners because they have expanded musical understanding. Read More