Music Lessons in Irving Park, NC

Instruments: Piano

Since beginning piano lessons myself when I was seven, I have been sharing my love of music with everyone all around me. I've been teaching lessons formally for the two years since I left college, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with new students is always such a humbling experience, because it challenges me as a teacher to approach old problems with a fresh perspective. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For students of all ages and skill sets I first like to establish a personalized daily routine of fundamental exercises such as long tones, lip slurs, tone production and articulation if not already had. I use the Bill Adam approach to teaching my establishing a strong core understanding and playing of the instrument. Then working exercises out of the Arbans book, charlier etudes, and Clarke studies to better enhance performance ability. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I am a strong believer that students should learn how to read music, they should learn proper technique, and that they should maintain a regular practice schedule. Lessons are geared towards the individual student's abilities and interests. I draw from a wide variety of teaching resources and authors, such as Joel Rothman, Jim Chapin, Rick Latham, Frank Briggs, Carmine Appice, George Stone, Charlie Wilcoxen, David Garibaldi, Rick Dior, Les DeMerle. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion

I begin all students on snare drum. This allows for the proper development of hand technique that is the base of percussion. I teach the original 26 rudiments along with the Breeze Easy method books for beginners, or students that do not read music. With the drum kit I encourage students to become familiar with as many styles of music they can. I use the blending of styles to help mold the student from a drummer to a musician, and help create an individual sound; Read More

Instruments: Drums

Music is, and should be fun! It is also hard work, but when done right, these two go hand in hand. No one should leave a lesson feeling discouraged, personally or musically. This is why I work hard to understand what each individual student's goals are, and quickly assess how he or she may achieve those goals. Additionally, not every student learns the same way, and I strive to ascertain and respond to each individual's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I use a variety of standard drum method books such as "Stick Control" by George Lawerence. I also DVD's and other multi media for lessons. Read More