Music Lessons in Ionia, NY

Instruments: Piano Trombone Music Keyboard

When teaching students I always create custom lesson plans and materials. Every student is unique, so why should all lessons look the same! In the first few classes, I focus on finding what kind of music my student is passionate about, and what methods of instruction works best for them. Then, week by week, I work on technique and technical fundamentals in a way that is closely related to the music we are looking at. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

My teaching career began as a high school senior. I began taking time out of lunch and weekends to teach friends and beginners to play. It was such a joy that I continued that pattern through university and then jumped on the opportunity to start my own studio after graduating. My business included a music store studio space and traveling to some students' homesteaching violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, guitar and even ukulele! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Yes for teaching piano I use Nancy and Randall Faber's books. I have used all of them. For guitar and mandolin I generally do not use a "book". As the lessons progress I might introduce a book if that is what is called for. All orchestral instruments call for the structure of a book and I augment that with my own explanations. This is true for all ages of learners. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I pride myself on instilling a passion for music and music making in my students. To do this, I make my lessons responsive to the particular needs of each student and I consciously draw attention to what a student does well as well as what a student can improve. In this way, my students develop a strong desire to refine and polish their playing and listening while acknowledging and enjoying what they do well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I began teaching private lessons while I was in high school about six years ago and have continued teaching privately ever since. I really enjoy passing on information that I have learned throughout the years to other aspiring individuals. I continue to stress to my students the importance of listening to all types of music as well as having a regular practice schedule. I always try and make sure that the student is having fun and is working on material that they truly enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Regardless of the age of the student, I want to ensure that the music we work on is both enjoyable for them and healthy for their voice. I do research for each individual student so that the correct repertoire is chosen! For beginning students who are ages 7-12, I begin with folk songs and Disney songs. These have simpler melodies and engaging text that help younger students stay interested. For beginning students that are 12-18, I will begin with folk songs and musical theatre songs, moving to art song and classical pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The first thing a teacher must do is figure out how to motivate a student to practice. This can be done differently for different students. I will list some things that I have found that work. 1) Set a practice schedule/timer/alarm 2) I work on mindset and practice techniques to reduce practice session frustration/anxiety and increase positivity and feel good emotions 3) The student selects songs to practice in addition to scales, lesson book or repertoire 4) Parental support and priority 5) Listening to music outside of lesson 6) Practice one concept at a time 7) Limit faster passages to smaller groups of notes, practice slow with different patterns. 8) more in lesson!....... Read More