Music Lessons in Gretna, LA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Djembe

I was raised in a musical family. My father, brother, and sister all played guitar. I began playing drums in the school band at ten years old. At twelve I got my first drum set. At fourteen I began playing in a band and started playing shows. In college I played drums in four different bands playing shows all over the city. After college I played with a punk band, a psychedelic rock band, a folk-rock band and an R&B artist. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have over 20 years of teaching experience. The age range has varied from 8 to 88! I teach beginning, intermediate and advanced students in intense private lessons, using traditional and non-traditional methods.   The focus can be Jazz, Classical, Brazilian Choro, Klezmer and other World musics.   I love to figure out how someone learns, how he responds to music, what methods are the most appropriate. It is a beautiful experience for me as well as for the student to connect to your inner voice, and to be able to express it and love it! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

I always start beginning students with proper technique. I believe that great technique is the foundation of a great musician. I use a few different method books including Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, Modern Rudimental Swing Solos, Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials among others. I also believe that all musicians, especially drummers should have a strong rhythmic foundation so I incorporate sight-reading, call and response, and ear training to build the young musicians' instincts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone

I like to teach by setting both short- and long-term goals with the student. My personal goal is to help the student learn a healthy and strong passion for music and to prepare them to accomplish their ambitions and to continue playing after they are finished working with me, whether it is as an amateur, as a continuing student, as a conservatory student, or as a professional. I want to equip each student to be an auto-didact, capable of teaching themselves, and to be able to teach music themselves. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have been a teacher and a leader for over 10 years. My forte is one on one interaction, and it is incredibly gratifying to see a student grasp and understand the concepts presented. I have found that life skills are under-appreciated in formal training but invaluable for success. The way we play music is informed not only by our knowledge of theory and our preparation of the notes, but also by our habits, health, and personal experience. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

A lifelong musician and lover of teaching, I've been a student of music since I was a toddler on the Violin. Growing up in a musical household I was introduced to a variety of musical styles. In 2009, I graduated from Wesleyan University with Honors in Music Performance and Composition thanks to my first rock opera, Black Friday. After graduation I moved to New Orleans thanks to a post-Katrina service trip that introduced me to my new home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

For begining students I like to start from a foundational stand point. It is very important to enstill good practice habits and technique in order not to develop bad habits in your playing. For drumming and other instruments, starting with rudiments, learning how to read music, and playing scales are a great way to help a student build their technique and ear up. I think it is really important to ask what kind of music the student is into or show them how the foundational basics can be used in an actual playing situation instead of just a boring regimented routine. Read More