Music Lessons in Lake Orion, MI

Instruments: French Horn

My style is to review a previous lesson with playing a "homework" etude or study and early on have the student pay close attention to dynamics. I like to encourage younger students and challenge the more advanced students to think in terms of musical interpretations based on what the composer is trying to convey. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I teach each student based on their needs and goals. Fundamentals are key to playing well. I always want learning to be fun but effective. I teach the student how to practice to reach goals and help the student set goals. I teach in terms of musicality followed by technicality. Tone is what allows a performer to tell a story, but technique is also key. By developing a strong sense of fundamentals, musicality is easier to achieve. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

Depending on a student's interests, I could start with several books like Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist (for all-around bass playing). If reading skills are a main goal of a student's focus, I use repertoire from the standard canon and IMSLP. I feel that improvisation is an often overlooked key to self-expression and mastery of one's instrument, so I introduce concepts used in making up solos and some theory as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginner students, I would definitely use Hal Leonards Essential Elements for trumpet (Books 1-4). It is always best for new students to start with identifying the notes and the rhythms, along with learning some fundamental exercises to fully master the trumpet. For more advanced/intermediate students (7th or 8th grade), I would start by giving out solo pieces to better prepare for solo and ensemble competitions, all the way till their final year at high school. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I place emphasis on helping each student strengthen fundamentals, thus helping them achieve a phsysiologically healthy approach to playing. With these concepts under way, I will help the student develop their own unique interpretive skills and apply them to their individial interests in music. Above all, my goal is to help students to becomemusiciansfirst, and trombonists second. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More