Music Lessons in Kent, OH

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: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As far as my teaching methods go, I do not use any of the course books commonly used by many teachers and studios. I feel that this cookie cutter approach doesnt successfully work for everybody as it assumes everyone is the same. I have taught thousands of students over the decades and can say that I havent seen two students exactly alike the entire time. Instead I get to know the students and their goals and streamline a method to get them to accomplish their goals in the shortest possible time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon

For students who are already in an instrumental program through school, I will start with whatever method book they are using at school, and branch off from there. Depending on the instrument, I will bring in another method book specific to that instrument book and we will also use some sort of etude book. The etudes may be classical in nature or more modern music. For older students, I will help them prepare Solo and Ensemble pieces as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days and has continued through the past twelve years. I love seeking to discover the unique learning pathway for every individual student and tailoring lessons specificially to grow and enhance foundations that other teachers have already built. I have a number of students who compose their own original material and encourage others in that capacity as well.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods of instruction are taylor made for each individual student. For example I will teach a beginner student that wants to learn the guitar as an instrument and music theory basic technique, chords, scales, and how to read music, as well as enjoyable songs that capture their personal interests. I prefer Mel Bay instruction books and encourage playing by ear that is appropriate to the level of the student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Taught and performed for for 30 years... But seeing and hearing is believing, I've posted a video of me playing ajazz demonstration of a Hubert Laws composition.. This was part of my therapy after open heart surgery and a mini stroke.. Some doctors believe as a musician the use of both sides of my brain may have contributed to a speedy recovery..I believe my 7th cranial nerve damage, completely paralyzing the left side of my face, was healed by the Grace of God, first, and the gift He gave me called Music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students it is essential to practice rudiments with a metronome. I will also start you out with basic 4/4 drum beats and explain to you the importance of balance and the back beat. The sooner a student learns proper posture and good technique the sooner they will be winning the battle of the bands. For the more advanced students we can work on specific songs or styles you are interested in, and we can cover the all important concept of improvisation. Read More