Music Lessons in High Shoals, NC

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon Keyboard Djembe

For beginning students, I start with the Essential Elements book. If the student has already taken lessons or is in their school band/orchestra, I encourage moving onto the Rubank Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced method books depending on ability. Once a student has proven that they are able to handle it, I will start on solo repertoire. Particularly for college-bound musicians who wish to major in music, the majority of their lessons will be based on preparing solo literature for All District or college auditions. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe that learning an instrument must be taught from all three approaches: tactile, aural, and visual. I incorporate all three of these into each lesson so the student can walk away feeling like she has gotten closer to her instrument! For young students, I follow a Suzuki approach where a parent or guardian plays a vital role in practicing and musical development. I use the Suzuki books, a reliable source for musical progress, as well as some American fiddlin' tunes from the O'Connor Method Books. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I am very passionate about developing a lifelong love of music in students of all ages! In 2012, I graduated from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University with my Master's of Music degree in Conducting, and in 2008 I graduated from the Western Carolina University Honors College with my Bachelor's degree in Music Education. I have had amazing experiences in my high school, college, and adult life performing with and learning from musicians all over the world, and I love helping my students to have even greater experiences of their own! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I think my approach to teaching piano is highly individualized. What motivates one student will not necessarily motivate another. Brief example: I currently have a student who likes to give me really "hard" high-fives after he has accomplished something. While he is adorable and he will work really hard to give me that high-five; this wouldn't work on many other students. Whatever will inspire my student to practice is what I will provide whether that is praise or stickers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This sheet had different colored dots showing where to place the fingers to form basic open chords. I went on to learning country instrumentals, Surf music instrumentals, blues and 70's rock songs [Allman Brothers etc.]. I was amazed by the Chet Atkins style of playing so I buckled down on that. Fingerstyle playing on acoustic has become my favorite style to play. I am happy to share any bit of knowledge I have with someone who loves the sound of the guitar as much as I do. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I use the "CAGED" system on guitar as a way to navigate the fretboard and understand the patterns on Guitar. I always put a strong emphasis on being able to learn a song by ear and understand the theory behind it. For younger children I use the Hal Leonard Method book to give them the ability to read Music. I teach all styles and advanced lessons including Ear training, Theory, Chord Building, Modes, Scales, and Technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Synthesizer

I don't tend to rely on any one method. I have quite a bit of material that I have personally developed over the years. I try to take each student as an individual with their own unique personality, likes and dislikes, and motivations. So I enjoy customizing a lesson plan that is as individual as each student. I do use some published materials that I have found to work well with beginning students. Read More