Music Lessons in La Vista, NE

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching dates back to my high school years in which I instructed younger students in middle school band as an assistant to the director. I have performed in all kinds of groups including jazz bands, wind ensembles, latin groups, and even choirs. I grew up in Cozad, Nebraska which is a small town, but I was influenced by so many kinds of music given this age of technology. With my versatile background I think I can really guide a student in their growth and development as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My approach fits with the student and parental desire. Once we know those parameters, we can proceed and make it work in the best way for the students success. I always take time to understand where the student is coming from, their goals, the parent goals. I’ll adjust my style based on how much desire there is, how much time they and what their current goals are for music, drumming and whatever else they’re striving for. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As technology and the nature of music is always changing and evolving, a large part of my teaching involves work with a metronome, the encouragement of playing along with recordings(even for orchestral excerpts), and transcription. I strongly encourage drum set students to find songs they like to learn by ear as well as learn to notate them. Regular practice routines, weekly goals, long term goals, and consistent metronome usage will all provide a strong framework for any student. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe that a good teacher is one that listens well and brings out the best qualities in their students. I will help young students learn the basics of drumming from rudiments, technique, and sight-reading. For more advanced students I am able to guide them into more complex topics such as musical creativity, feel, and improvisation. I will also be able to help students with the behavioral and psychological aspects of consistent practicing and live performing as I have a background in psychology. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Tuba

My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a love for music and the skills to pursue individual musical interests effectively. The goal is to become a "musician", not just learn the rudiments of playing an instrument or singing properly. Thus, I include a lot of focus on expressive musicality - even early on - as well as a deliberate and purposeful inclusion of history, culture, and related topics; even some psychology! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I prefer to instruct out of the James Bastien method books for the student's main lesson assignments. However, I also encourage students to bring and play out of books that inspire and motivate them individually. This keeps lessons lighthearted and keeps the student interested in the next lesson in my experience. I set realistic weekly and monthly goals for my students so I'm able to gauge how the student has performed, as well as how they should be instructed going forward. Read More