Music Lessons in Hiram, OH

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I typically start with Piano Adventures.  Advanced beginners usually have other excellent methods such as Bastien, Schuam, or Alfred, and I use any method which is acceptable.  Adults, or more advanced students, usually have a particular interest in a certain style of music or keyboard skill which I help cultivate.  Though nothing matches the sound, subtlety and feel of an acoustic - the essence of the art of the classical tradition - I encourage students to use MIDI-aided learning tools to develop their sight-reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started playing the guitar at age 14. There was just something about it, I would find myself playing for hours on end. The sound, the feel. I loved all facets of playing the guitar. In 1998 I started to get very serious about my playing and started playing professionally in studios, recording for various artists and record labels. In 1999 I wrote and performed the theme song for the Home Depot. In 2006, I started working on soundtracks and commercial production music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching voice lessons in my first year at Susquehanna University. The range of students I received throughout my four years there provided me with numerous pedagogical challenges and valuable insights into the psychology of teaching one on one with students. Some of these students included singers with a strong musical theater backgrounds, young athletes wanting to be the front men of their budding rock bands, and students with vocal injuries so severe that they could do little more than speak. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I practice radical empathy in all things, but especially with my students. I believe kindness helps us grow; fostering a positive environment and relationship with my students is important to me, because it is important for their development as musicians. I believe in a holistic approach to teaching an instrument, nurturing and working on body, mind, and soul—a healthy and happy musician is a good musician! I encourage students to fall in love with what they do, and to advance at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Reading music is emphasized in school ensembles, yet some students are reluctant to read music. I can accommodate students who'd rather learn exclusively by the aural tradition. When my student is eager to read I like to start with the Walter Beeler Method Book One.  I supplement it with duets.  Some students can work from the Rubank Supplementary Studies along with the Walter Beeler.  Afterwards the Edwards-Hovey Method Book Two is very nice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I started playing the saxophone in the 5th grade. In 2011, I graduated from Miami University with Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. After working in education as a substitute teacher for 6+ years, I am pursuing a career change. However, I still have a deep passion for music and the saxophone. In addition to performing with local community ensembles, I enjoy working with beginning and improving musicians. Students will find me friendly and upbeat, but also a straight-shooter who will coach them to musical enjoyment and success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students that are children, I like to start with Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements or any other book that has the basic principles of music in them. Once the student has progressed and has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I will bring in other repertoire appropriate to their level. For adults, I like to find out what the student is interested in and then tailor the lesson toward that to keep lessons engaging and fun no matter what their abilities are. I always try to keep the lessons fun and entertaining. Read More