Music Lessons in Grain Valley, MO

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began playing guitar when I was 15, and it became an immediate obsession. Starting with rock and roll with bands like Nirvana and Sublime, I garnered a deep love for classic rock, specifically the bands Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Doors among many others. Early on, it became apparent that I wanted to pursue a career in music, and while still in high school, I began learning classical guitar, and jazz. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have been a Young Artist with Cedar Rapids Opera Theater, playing the role of Butch in Frankenboy. While in graduate school, I sang the roles of Betto di Signa in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Count Paris in Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette, and John Brooke in Adamo’s Little Women, all with IU Opera Theater. I had the opportunity to create the role of Almeron Dickinson in Tim Noble’s workshop for his new musical, Alamo. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching music for two years professionally, and much longer than that informally. I played regularly and professionally at venues in Columbia, MO, such as the Bridge and The Vault. I studied trumpet in my high-school band and learned to read music, progressing on my own thereafter into more complex theory and harmony, as well as composition. I have been in several ensembles and have performed as a solo artist on many occasions as well. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I adjust my teaching style to compliment each student individually. My goal is for each student to enjoy playing their instrument, but I believe that the personal improvement of each student is vital for their continued interest and passion. I take it upon myself to make sure that my teaching is resulting in personal enjoyment and improvement! I also believe that studying a musical instrument is useful for developing things like problem solving skills, perseverance, building good habits, having a good work ethic, and being responsible. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners of all ages, I typically start with the fundamentals of music theory. For children, once they have grasped this, I will introduce solo repertoire and sight reading appropriate for their skill level. For adults, I try to find out what they are interested in and instruct accordingly. I like to keep practice fun and engaging for all ages and ability levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I have been fortunate to study under some remarkable professors as well as musicians. There are three individuals in particular that I will never forget. They changed my life. Their determination, work ethic, pure genius and passion for what they do will always stick with me. They raised my bar as a musician and set the bar for my teaching. As a teacher I strive to leave the same imprint on others that they left on me. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Her viola teachers have been Dr. Steven Kruse, concert virtuosos Paul Coletti and Scott Lee, and composer Robert Hagenbuch. At the Conservatory she pursued the violin and took lessons from Paul Hatton of the Kansas City Symphony. Karla also received her Music Educators license in Instrumental Music from William Jewell College in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher. Read More