Music Lessons in Ellisville, MO

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: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I incorporate Mimi Zweig's teaching philosophies as well as those from the Suzuki method. From there we build progressively according to the needs of the individual student. I generally follow the ASTA guidelines for recommended literature and progression. The pieces that students play in the beginning are important because they each teach an essential skill for string playing. Once a student has mastered the fundamentals and made enough progress, they are free to help choose which pieces they would like to work on. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have taught students for over 30 years and have seen many changes in both student’s preferences and the style of Music and instruments preferred. I am comfortable with both traditional pianos and organs and modern electronic keyboards. I have given lessons in my home, my students’ home and retail studios.I currently have 20 students on my roster. 6 of whom are adults. I have also begun a regular schedule of concert/recital opportunities for all of my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I consider a number of variables when determining what and how to teach guitar to a student. First, I have to know what kind of music the student enjoys. Next, I need to know what level guitar player they are. If Im teaching a beginning guitarist, I will typically spend a majority of the lesson utilizing fun methods to build basic technique. If a student doesnt have a technical foundation, it may not benefit them to present them with music theory in the beginning. 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: 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