Music Lessons in Gardner, KS

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to 1980. I began teaching private students in a local music studio. During my college years, I was a Graduate Assistant. When I am not private teaching, I am working with students in their school district jazz band programs. All of my students are encouraged to participate in their school band programs and solo contests. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Both of these books are the beginning of series of books which include various specific areas of music studies. Good stuff! The reason I prefer these guitar instruction books is because they agree with my style of teaching - keeping it simple. Some music publishers offer books which are very complicated. If you need a music teacher to explain every little thing, that's not a good instruction book! But a simple instruction book with a teacher to guide you is fun and rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I want to give all my students a background in classical music to prepare them for possible further education in music and give them confidence among classically-trained musicians. I also want my curriculum to include non-classical musical styles that each particular student enjoys and relates to. I want to help students accomplish their personal goals (and their parents’ goals) regarding their musical education. Most importantly, I want my students to love playing and/or singing music! Read More

Instruments: Piano

In my studio, I listen to the work that the student prepares for the lesson and assist with technical, performance, and musical aspects. We also listen to new music and discuss various aspects of the development of music.For younger students, I have computer based learn to help reinforce fundamentals, and also games that can help keep the learning an exciting and fun-filled experience. For my adults with goals in classical music, I offer in-class study of theory, repertoire, and history. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Bass Guitar

When I really take a deep look at what is happening when I teach, I realize that in the end the student is teaching him/herself. I'm merely responding to a musical moment -- with a set of ears that I trust, and that happen to be attached to my body -- in a way that makes sense to the vast musical experience I have. "How can this be more beautiful?" "How can this be more secure?" "How can I say a thing to the student that clicks in her/his mind, such that they figure out for themselves how to make this more beautiful/secure/free/awesome/spine-tingling. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums Orchestral Percussion

For the young students who are just starting out in vocal lessons I like to recommend starting with the proper breathing techniques and moving in to singing from the diaphragm and more experienced techniques will follow after that. After we have touched on those techniques we will move in to the performance portion of the lessons and how to connect with the song and then being able to portray the message of the song clearly and efficiently to the audience so that they can connect to the emotions that are coming from the song. Read More