Music Lessons in Gates Mills, OH

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching at a small music store in Hollywood, Florida called The Banjo Shop. As the store specialized in Bluegrass music, I was hired to teach students the pop and rock songs being played at that time. I taught there for three years before relocating to North East Ohio. After taking some years off to raise a family I started teaching at GitterPicker String Factory in Twinsburg in 2005. In 2008 I opened my own music studio in Northfield, Ohio called the Olde 8 Guitar Studio and have been teaching ever since! 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: Saxophone

For most students, I use the Rubank Method books as a foundation for basic fundamentals of the instrument. I use Jamey Aebersold's books as a foundation for jazz and popular music when students are ready. After that, I like giving my students individual work that is tailored to their needs like solos, jazz tunes, and more. I also challenge my students to take control of their learning by being resourceful. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students it is essential to practice rudiments with a metronome. I will also start you out with basic 4/4 drum beats and explain to you the importance of balance and the back beat. The sooner a student learns proper posture and good technique the sooner they will be winning the battle of the bands. For the more advanced students we can work on specific songs or styles you are interested in, and we can cover the all important concept of improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music

I started teaching almost 10 years ago as a way to fill my weekly schedule with musical things.  I've always really enjoyed the challenge of teaching, whether it be a musical or personal one.  As a teacher, I draw upon my experiences as a student, thinking what I needed that I didn't get or what I experienced that I didn't like, and vice versa.  As a student, I didn't like to practice, I didn't like to go to concerts, and I didn't think what I did was special. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I use the Alfred Piano series for most of my piano students. Woodwind students will use either Rubank or Hal Leonard series of books. During the first lesson, I will clarify the student's goals and needs and choose a book accordingly. I also add finger warm-ups and breathing exercises. Students are encouraged to pick a song from their own choosing to learn as a "fun-song". I try to cover these three things in every lesson, however I am flexible to meet the goals of my students. My professional motto is that I will do "Whatever it takes" for my students to succeed. Read More