Music Lessons in Greenwood, MO

Instruments: Piano Voice

My goal as a private educator is to find what each of my students enjoys about learning music. When sequential learning is introduced, along with material that motivates, this encourages dedication and progression. I believe most students learn best when they feel they have input in some of the learning process. My students are also encouraged to participate in competitions and recitals. Having a goal to work towards aids in accomplishment and motivation. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a passionate, enthusiastic music professional with over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the Fine Arts discipline of Music. I graduated in 1984 from UMKC Conservatory of Music with a Masters Degree in Saxophone performance. Since my earliest days in high school I have played professionally, having unique opportunities to perform with some of the best local bands and musicians found anywhere. My formal saxophone training was with internationally known, Tim Timmons. 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: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I start with the "I Can Read Music" and Suzuki Book 1. I am not a certified Suzuki teacher, nor do I teach in sync with the Suzuki style, but I do use the Suzuki book repertoire as I like the progression of ideas presented in the series. For middle school and high school students, I often work on all-district and all-state audition repertoire, prepare the students for school orchestra playing exams, or help them with tricky spots in their school orchestra pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

For beginning students on Piano, I like to start with Alfred's Basic Piano Books. For clarinet: H. Klose. For Viola and Violin:Suzuki.There is a small amount of leewayI allot for those students who are exemptional.These booksoffer easy ways for begining students to learn the rudiments and mechanics of their particular instrument.Once progression is being made in the development of rudiments and mechanics, I start to incorporate solo works to spice up the learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I believe that an understanding of music theory and learning to read music is the foundation of success for both my piano and voice students which is why I typically require my voice students to be taking piano simultaneously with voice. For beginning piano students, I will typically begin with the James Bastien Primer/Level 1 Series with the focus split equally between theory and technique. I require students to fill out a practice log monthly to ensure that they are maintaining the knowledge and skills they learn in lessons and so that parents can be involved in their progress. Read More