Music Lessons in Highland, CO

Instruments: Drums

Really, it just depends on what works. I will model each teaching style around each student. I am not a fascist when it comes to learning every single note of a drum fill or playing something exactly the same as someone else. Every professional drummer I have ever seen has learned to internalize and approximate the feeling of a decade of drumming, a style of drumming, or the attitude of a style of music. Read More

Instruments: Accordion

I began teaching my neighbor's kids when I was 12 years old. I taught until I was sixteen, which is when I began -playing club dates and weddings. I taught mostly classical, polkas, and european songs. I became a better musician when I played professionally, I had to amass my own 'fake book' and write some of my own music. My experience with my teacher, Chelso, taught me how to teach more complex music with relatively easy drills. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I started drumming on my dad's snare drum when I was about 5. I think my folks realized I was serious, so they bought a little Woolworth's "kiddie" kit and set up drum lessons when I was about 7 and learned to read and write jazz and rock music with my instructor until I was 16. I was in junior high orchestra and jazz ensemble and then in multiple rock bands through my 20's. Read More

Instruments: Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I love teaching and seeing students progress in their skill. No student is like the next and I do my best to create an atmosphere for each student to get the most out of their time with me. I also make sure the understand how they should be practicing and the effective ways to practice. It is not as simple as saying, "Practice double strokes this week". The student needs to understand why they are learning the rudiment, tendencies of poor technique and how to monitor progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I strive to develop a customized learning approach for each of my students, depending on their needs and goals. I implement a combination of the Faber method, Alfred method, and compilations of works by talented piano pedagogs such as Keith Snell, Martha Ashleigh, Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield, Melody Bober, and Julie McIntosh Johnson. I have found that by using a combination of these resources I am able to focus on all eras of music history and style, as well as cover all bases of theory fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My life intention is to offer something meaningful to others, and teaching music is a central part of that. I moved to Denver to be the head of piano at CU Denver, and have now moved into nonprofit work, along with performing and teaching from my home studio. I focus on jazz and popular music, and teach all experience levels. I hold a recital date at the end of the "Fall" and "Spring" semester for my students with the opportunity to perform with a fantastic professional rhythm section! Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My philosophy for lesson structure is that fun and context are a necessity. Learning exercises in a vacuum can be uninspiring and boring, but turning those exercises into games and allowing students to play along to tracks makes the music come to life! Instead of "having to" do an exercise or play a pattern, the student now "gets to" play a fun rhythm game or play along to music they like. Read More