Music Lessons in Fairview, TN

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba

I first started teaching during my sophomore year in college, teaching students how to prepare for the Iowa All-State Music Festival. I taught these students throughout my college years and saw many of them become successful trombone players, plus a few are now great band directors. Since I graduated college in 2013 I've been invited to be a brass clinician for multiple schools, a middle school solo contest judge, and as a musician in a wide variety of ensembles I work with fellow colleagues to create a memorable performance that audiences will enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar

I began teaching private lessons five years ago during my first year in college. I consistently taught privately, as well as in classroom settings in youth music programs in Boston. I also developed and taught courses in songwriting and music theory for teenagers. I encourage students to develop their age-appropriate practice routines, and support them in sticking with them. Sticking to a schedule helps the young musician build a relationship to their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone

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: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Much of my training techniques come from my experience with Voice Teacher, Dr. Joseph Collins (PhD, Vocal Pedagogy), whom I studied with while living in Nashville. Dr. Collins made clear to me many secrets to developing proper vocal execution and placement that had been a mystery before. I gained much more awareness and understanding of my own voice. I have enjoyed many years of private vocal instruction while at universities (Kent State University, Belmont University) and have learned good and valuable practices from different professors. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teach courses and lessons in piano, music theory and music appreciation at Volunteer State Community College at the rank of Assistant Professor (five years now). I taught courses in music theory while earning my Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky (1997-2000).My experience as a professional pianist includes: serving with the 101st Division Band (Army) as a pianist (1982-85), staff accompanist at East Tennessee State University (1993), and collaborative pianist for the Interlochen Arts Camp (summer of 2011). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My other focus with all students regardless of interest is rhythm. I think that in a lot of guitar education there is lack of investment in this topic. All musicians regardless of instrument are responsible for having a solid sense of time, especially if you ever care to play with other musicians. It's the difference between putting a listener at ease and having an audience be constantly on edge, hoping you won't make a mistake. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For young students, I typically start with pieces and concepts from the Suzuki books, but generally strive to help students feel excited and comfortable about playing and practicing the instrument. This involves musical games, learning to play by ear, and beginning to learn to read music. With older students, I teach how to practice, how to execute technique, and then tailor lessons to students' goals and interests. Throughout teaching I play duets with students, and encourage students to become comfortable with performance and collaboration. Read More