Music Lessons in La Plasita, NM

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I like to create lessons in which students learn to read traditional music notation, develop technique, and play familiar tunes. I use musictheory.net to help student practice reading note names. The faster a student can read musical notation, the faster the student can pick up new pieces. To develop technique, I want students to lean scales and arpeggios. Sometimes, we use a technique book to develop muscle memory, and other times technical exercises are created based on the tricky musical passages of solo or ensemble pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My teaching is very goal-oriented. Some adults may want the satisfaction of simply playing Blues, or Fur Elise, or "Don't Stop Believin'" for their own enjoyment, and we work through the music easily as their practice time allows. Parents have the opportunity to see their children shine in recitals twice a year. During their lessons, the younger student and I work hard on note-reading, rhythm, and expression. We set weekly goals in order to be ready by performance time. Read More

Instruments: Voice Latin Percussion Music

I facilitated individual an group musical collaborations, and helped train people to do the same via workshops I facilitated at conferences. I have also led community singalongs, and taught individual students vocals and percussion over this time. I'm a big believer that everyone can sing and everyone can drum, and that music is a gift inherent to being human that we all can share and rejoice in. I encourage students to become comfortable with vocal and rhythmic musical expression, and teach tools and techniques and exercises that can help develop their skills and craft. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching philosophy is centered around personalized learning, where I strive to create an environment that encourages students to take ownership of their own learning. I use a variety of methods and practices to achieve this, such as creating custom lesson plans and materials tailored to the individual needs of my students[1][2]. I also emphasize frequent assessment data and one-on-one meetings with students to ensure they are on track[2]. When designing a course, I focus on defining goals for student learning rather than course content[3], and I strive to create an atmosphere that is both engaging and challenging for my students Read More

Instruments: Voice

When a good teacher finds a good student, they inspire each other. If you want to learn how to sing in the shower a little better, that's fine, and I might help you do that; but if you feel impelled to use your voice to issue forth song in a more profound way, you have to begin with a deep-down feeling, and one that you can project from your body (and soul) up through your throat and out of your mouth. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been successfully teaching, both privately and in school settings, for over thirty years dating back to college, and my main focus has always been each student's individual relationship to music. Over the years it has become clear to me that every student is different and accordingly every student will find a different path to their love of music through an instrument or genre that they choose. To succeed as a musician, what is consistent is the necessity of routine and regular practice as well as an understanding of the theory at the core of their performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have a great rapport with the students because we both generally want to be there.  I have learned a lot about myself over the years about the various ways people learn.  One cannot approach every student with the same program.  Some are more visual and love to read music, some have a great ear and can play back something they only have heard once.  I try to be aware of strengths, and work on the things that need more focus. Read More