Music Lessons in Downtown Toledo, OH

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Music is a big part of my life. I started playing trumpet in the fifth grade and eventually went to the University of Toledo where I received my bachelor and masters in music education. I have been a band director for thirteen years and have much experience starting students on all instruments. My college training and my years so far as a band director have helped me to learn how to play all of the instruments in the band. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are completely new to the world of music, I typically start them with exercises and theory found in Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This introduces them to the foundations of the guitar, such as basic chords, chord progressions, and the musical alphabet. Once they have the necessary understanding of the fundamentals, I then like to find out what music the student is interested in learning and apply these foundations in musical pieces they are familiar with. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For students at the beginning and intermediate levels on all instruments I use the Rubank Method alongside appropriate solo literature for their ability level. It is a succinct, affordable resource that will not leave a student lacking. When I teach any advanced brass player I use Arbans conservatory method, Clarke Technical Studies, and the brass gym. Advanced horn players will study Koprasch, and other etude books to fit the students unique situation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I have taught many private students in the past in a variety of different age groups, instruments, and musical genres. I am currently doing field work each week working with younger students in classrooms at schools such as Saline Middle School and Ann Arbor STEAM. I have experience in marching band, lead trombone playing in jazz big band, solo work/jazz combo playing, musical theater music/pit playing, and classical playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I do not provide a strict curriculum. Instead, I form lessons based on student's needs as I feel this is more effective and more personalized. Things that we may explore include; warm-ups, posture, breathing techniques, tongue twisters, learning to read notation, and rhythm. I prided myself on not only teaching the basics of singing but how the body works in conjunction with it. I strive for my students to not only know 'how' but also 'why'. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For very young beginning students, I typically start with Faber Piano Adventures, and for older beginners, the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures or Hal Leonard Adult Learner Series. Once the student has shown an understanding of basic theory and technique, classical repertoire will be introduced, along with level appropriate arrangements of the student's choice music. It's important that the student is taught how to practice a piece effectively to continue growing musically in between lessons, so that lessons can be used to find areas for improvement, and to learn new concepts and material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every stage is different. With beginners, you want them to learn the notes first, then the chords, the harder chords..etc. With intermediate players, you can begin teaching them songs and giving them songs to work on. Advanced players is all about finding the right tone and the right sounds, most likely helping by providing guitar work with them. It all depends on the student! But I know that for children, you start with the basics and work your way up! Read More