Music Lessons in East Alton, IL

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

For intermediate and advanced students, I like to figure out what kind of popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop) that they would like to play and learn more about, and then learn repetoire or basic techniques in that particular genre. Again, I specialize mainly in popular styles, and am not much of a classical player. My hope is to give intermediate and advanced classically trained students a good foundation in popular styles, and once the foundation is there, start working on repetoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

My teaching experience began at the age of thirteen. I gave lessons out of my home in Webster Groves, Missouri. I have been teaching students out of my home for thirty plus years. I will also go to the home. I like to encourage students to practice daily. Each student has a practice log which they have to fill out on a weekly basis. My job is to provide structure and consistency within a framework that is also fun for each students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Since we're all different, I try to identify students' goals, interests and abilities as we progress. With few exceptions -- students whose temperament andpersonality dictate completing a book before considering another -- I always choose from a large assortmentof method, performance, classical books from my library. I also have a good collection ofBroadway musicals, jazz books, etc. (My favorite series is the Faber and Faber repertoire.) Read More

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with note naming and sound. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. My goal in my method is to get my students fluent in playing the piano and knowing the methods of piano. Read More

Instruments: Voice

After studying opera at The Boston Conservatory for one year, I transferred and finished my undergraduate coursework at Webster University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music in 2009. I studied voice under the direction of Debby Lennon, and was involved in numerous choral events, opera scenes, and jazz concerts. Shortly after graduation, I opened my lesson studio, and have been teaching ever since!  Many of my students have landed lead roles in school and community plays and musicals, and have also been invited to perform in the childrens, and teens choruses for The Muny.  One of my students even made it to Hollywood Week on American Idol this season! Read More