Music Lessons in Independence, MO

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

For beginners, I always start with a classical approach, which stresses the importance of posture and breathing. We'll usually start with the First Book of [Voice Part]'s Solos and mix in one or two musical theater pieces. This is in tandem with learning how to warm up, learn pieces, what memorizing looks like, and how to emote. These are constantly evolving things that can be used with any skill level. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Each student comes in with their own unique experience, ability level, and personality. So, while the overall structure of my lessons is going to be the same for everyone, it is vital that I set realistic goals for each student based on their own experience and individuality. Each student should be able to look back over the course of a year and pinpoint areas in which they have improved...having this conversation is one of the huge payoffs of teaching! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My teaching experience starts back as a sophomore in high school. To be a teacher, one must be a student first! And I was... In fact, one of the most important lessons I learned from my very first private instructor, was to be able to teach myself!! I have followed this guidance every since then. I started mentoring/teaching other, younger high school students as a junior and found a lot of joy and fulfillment out of it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

That being said, goals that we set are to be realistic and achievable. Difficult enough to keep them interested but easy enough to keep them from giving up. With each lesson we will discuss both goals and expectations. Afterwards we will begin with warm-ups that are tailored to each student's skill level: For my beginner students we will warm up with basic music reading. For my more advanced students we will warm up with scales. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

for beginning students who are children and just starting out, i typically start with the basic elements of either voice or guitar, depending on which lesson you have chosen. once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire which is age - appropriate of course, in hopes of preparing them for a first recital, perhaps. for adults, i try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

For beginning students on Piano, I like to start with Alfred's Basic Piano Books. For clarinet: H. Klose. For Viola and Violin:Suzuki.There is a small amount of leewayI allot for those students who are exemptional.These booksoffer easy ways for begining students to learn the rudiments and mechanics of their particular instrument.Once progression is being made in the development of rudiments and mechanics, I start to incorporate solo works to spice up the learning experience. Read More