Music Lessons in Erwin, NC

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar

I work both as a freelance musician and bass instructor. I graduated from Millikin University in 2012 with a degree in Commercial Bass Performance. After I graduated I worked with a wide range of musical groups. I have performed in showbands, latin groups,musicals, jazz quartets, neo soul groups, and have even played contrabass in guitar ensembles. I would say one of the greater experiences I have had as a musician was when I made an album with the Millikin University Latin Jazz Project, which won Downbeat Magazine's 36th annual Student Music Award for the category of Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Accordion Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic 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: Saxophone

For my students that would like to set up lessons long-term, I gauge their current playing levels through excerpts and materials we agree on, on the first lesson that they shall have prepared on our our follow-up and then from there, I will be assigning material to focus on the areas that need work and what to reform. During that first lesson we will be discussing goals, expectations, and performances for the calendar year. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is to get the student engaged during the lesson. I want the student to have fun and develop a true passion and understanding for music and the instrument. This is one of the reasons why the musical repertoire chosen is based on the students musical preferences rather than only playing generic tunes from the method book. It is my belief that if students can take the fundamentals they learn and apply it by playing music that is actually fun and enjoyable for them, it makes the experience of lessons more effective. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My main goal is to keep lessons relevant for every student, and to provide an individual plan for each student. I choose a teaching method that is geared toward the student's learning style and personality - and especially age. There's nothing worse than using a method for children with a teen or adult! Right from the start I will supplement the method book with fun and engaging pieces. We will use some apps and technology for skill building along with listening and ear training to build a well-rounded foundation. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I take a very detailed and analytical approach to music performance, and this is reflected in my teaching. I believe many students look at a piece of music that seems too difficult and become too overwhelmed to realize that's it's not as difficult as it may first appear. By breaking down music into its components, pitch, rhythm, dynamic, articulation, etc., and tackling each item one at a time, students who thought of music as a strange and foreign language begin to see it as something that just works and makes sense. Read More