Music Lessons in Harper Woods, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More

Instruments: French Horn

I have performed with orchestral, Church, Jazz, Band and Chamber Music ensembles in Cleveland Ohio and Detroit,MI. I studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Linda Muhlert(Frumker). I also had some lessons with Myron Bloom of the Cleveland Orchestra. In the Southfield Symphony Orchestra, I performed next to Bryan Kennedy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as 2nd horn on the Maurice Ravel Mother Goose Suite. I performed in a horn quartet with James McHard,AliceMchard and Frank Hussey. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

During high school I was heavily involved in marching band and quickly took the position of Drumline section leader. This responsibility included writing cadences, organizing group practices as well as individual teaching. Currently, I am sponsored by SJC custom drums, who have made me 2 custom drum sets. This is the same company that makes drums for Tre Cool of Green Day and even Cyrus Balooki of New Found Glory. As far as direct drumming inspiration, I often cite 3 people. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For young students just beginning, I use a system of "music play" which includes games and engaging activities for the child to become interested in music. I borrow heavily from both Music Learning Theory and the Orff Method, as well as include games and ideas that I have found to be creative and educational. After this stage of learning, I start students on basic notation and sight reading, and learning what the notes on the page mean. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My favorite moments while teaching is the light bulb moments, for these to occure lessons are goal based and created around the students level of exsperiece, future goals, and personal goals. In the first lesson we set mini goals for each lesson, medium goals for the month, and large goals for something we want to work towards or a up and coming competition. I use a positive environment to help student feel good about their accomplishments, but also have them discover areas of improvement by recording them or asking them what they feel they did well and what they feel they need to work on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I have had an eclectic teaching career so far. I have held teaching positions at Linden High School, Linden Middle School, Carman Ainsworth High School, Ida High School, Summit Academy High School, Clio High School, Flushing High School, South Lyon High School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Middle School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy High School, and Impact Percussion. In addition to these school positions, I am also taught privates lessons for several years. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize, above all, practice. If a student doesn't practice daily, then they aren't going to improve at their full potentail rate. I would never "push" a student, but I do encourage students to strive for their best. I know when I need to adapt the situation to fit a student's specific needs. If a student isn't getting something, I know exactly how to back up, break it down, and explain it in a way that they will understand. Read More