Music Lessons in Hickman, NE

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I have been teaching casually in some form or another for close to 10 years. While I have not taught at a professional level, I have been teaching in many separate fields: arts, academics, and athletics to name a few. My experiences in multidisciplinary teaching has helped me gain an appreciation for all types of learners and developed skills for connecting with and teaching students of various learning styles. The primary lesson I have taken away from my teaching experience is that the most improvement is found in students with the desire to engage. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I would always follow each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. For children, I would also offer a reward such as candy to boost their excitement and passion for learning piano. When it comes to piano theory, I would reward them with a sticker on their homework page that is completed on time. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For a good basis of knowledge in drumming I typically like to employ several method books. David Stanoch's Mastering the Tables of Time, George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, Steve Houghton's Essential Styles books 1 2, and Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm. Need of materials will depend on each student's current level of understanding, each student's personal goals, curriculum used within their school, audition requirements for colleges, state solo ensemble repertoire lists, etc. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning and intermediate students, I offer my own rudiment book to start learning on a practice pad or snare drum. For learning drum set, I use a variety of books and resources. I will meet and discuss these options with each student to find the right book for them. For more advanced students, I have them transcribe entire songs from bands they enjoy. I create Spotify playlists for students so they can easily access a variety of styles of music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students I really get to know where the student is at in their learning experience. I try to individualize the learning experience as much as possible, learning about the student's background his or her interests in music. Also, I would track the student's progress carefully taking notes about lessons to better guide them in their musical journey. Above all striving to foster a great curiosity to learn! Learning music is so rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Keyboard

Award-winning trombonist, Blake M., originates from Eastern Iowa. A performer of both jazz and classical, Blake has performed in many national and international festivals and contests including The Grammys, The Music For All Festival, The Sienna Jazz Festival, The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Jazz Educators Network Conference, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Blake received the top soloist award 3 years in a row at the Iowa Jazz Championships and was a member of the University of Iowas Johnson County Landmark Band during his last two years of high school. Read More