Music Lessons in Hamilton Lakes, NC

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching music full-time for eighteen years. Primarily, I founded and led the Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble (ECPE), a truly unique and acclaimed group. Our focus was on active music-making, performance, and recording. The group made three professional recordings, performed widely, and challenged audience expectations everywhere they did. Privately, I have taught drumming to many individuals, from young students just starting out, to professional musicians looking to add drums to their instrumental repertoire, to people needing help overcoming sensory issues. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students, I start with the basics and like to teach from the Hal Leonard fundamentals books, but it also depends on the type of student. Some are more visual learners whereas others might be more auditory inclined. I modify my teaching style to accommodate the student. Understandably, theory can get mundane, but I try to make learning fun and applicable so a lot of what I teach directly involves playing on the keys instead of writing things in books. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at their own pace. I try to make sure that fundamentals are always maintained and that the music we are covering in lessons is stimulating and challenging while still being enjoyable for the student so that they can develop musical expression along with a strong technical foundation. Because I don't have a set template that all students follow, I believe that my constant assessment and evaluation of students needs is effective in making sure that each student's passion is nurtured and developed. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As stated previously, one of my greatest joys is seeing a student grow and thrive with a musical experience. I understand that not every one of my students will want to pursue music in their life, but music can bolster character, discipline, and creativity-- no matter their age. My methods include basic goal setting, encouraging and providing performance opportunity (no matter how small), and I also let the student's interests lead the way. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

As a musical educator, I firmly believe in simultaneously ecouraging my students as a push them far past whatever limits they may have had at the beginning. While doing this, I've also realized that each student eventually reaches an "ah ha" moment in their time of learning with me. This happens when the student begins to come into his/her own "musical identity." As crazy as it may sound, I never teach my student how to play, look like or to sound like "me" as I'm teaching them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Synthesizer Electric Violin Fiddle

I believe a good musical day is enjoyed through a well-balanced musical diet! I love to keep the fundamentals in mind with scales and etudes fit for the student's skill level, and leverage those through a performance piece of choice, be it mine or yours (with blessings). If we are working towards a specific piece for a recital or a judge, I will tailor assignments to the piece. I am proficient with music notation software, so customized sheets are absolutely a possibility. Read More