Music Lessons in Firestone Park, OH

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach children as young as 6, and adults well into retirement. I first assess the student's musical goals, then tailor the teaching method to achieve those goals. Some students want to just have fun, some want to learn "hum and strum", while others want to prepare for competitions or perfomances or go on to become professional musicians. Beginners and novice students first learn the basics of music theory by progressing through an established music course. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I focus beginning students the value of good air support and aim to get them the best tone possible. From there, I get them playing songs that they recognize, teaching both by ear and with a method book. I believe it is important for students to be exposed to quality musicianship as often as possible, so I play for them regularly and have them try to copy my phrasing and sound. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

What I more than anything is to help my students fall deeper in love with music and with the guitar. I want lessons to be an enjoyable and exciting experience for students who have the desire to learn. Of course I want my students to work hard and push themselves, but I have seen far too many people interested in learning an instrument get overwhelmed and give up before they are ever get off the ground, and this is not something I want to see with my own students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Every student is different. I understand this and use it to my advantage. Early on I will use my own methods of building coordination between the fingers and the instrument. We will quickly learn simple chords and will be able to start playing along with songs in the first few lessons! I will even find ways to get students to play along with songs of their choosing! I have also taught many adult students and advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Reading music is emphasized in school ensembles, yet some students are reluctant to read music. I can accommodate students who'd rather learn exclusively by the aural tradition. When my student is eager to read I like to start with the Walter Beeler Method Book One.  I supplement it with duets.  Some students can work from the Rubank Supplementary Studies along with the Walter Beeler.  Afterwards the Edwards-Hovey Method Book Two is very nice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Euphonium French Horn

As I've said above, my teaching is curtailed to the individual needs of my students. I stress development as a complete musician, and that often includes breaking away from technique to discuss other ideas like music theory, ear training, etc. Most importantly, I can explain difficult concepts in many ways. I am a degreed educator, having studied various learning styles and philosophies. I incorporate techniques from Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, Dalcroze, Alexander--- each student has different needs. Read More