Music Lessons in Lantana, TX

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Suzuki Cello Book 1. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire tailored for each student depending on their skill level. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I know that most of my young students are in their school's band program, so I use a combination of whatever method books they use there plus my own supplemental materials I have found to be effective over years of teaching. If students are preparing for events like All-Region/All-District auditions or a Solo Festival, I spend plenty of time helping them with that. For other students, I have several books of progressive etudes, includes Bordner's Books of Practical Studies and Sparke's Skilful Studies. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I love watching people improve little by little. Its what makes the job worth it! As the teacher, I will try to make every improvement celebrated. I will try to tailor the teaching style to the students personality, because everyone is different. We will take things at the students pace as well to ensure proper growth as a player. I also love to teach with imagery and storylines as well, in a way it makes learning even more fun and it can add more depth to any piece or even your everyday scales! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

In 2011, I graduated college from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, while I was there I traveled the world playing anything from jazz to rock. I studied with legendary drummer Tim Pope, the drummer for Ray Charles. After school, I started playing and teaching music professionally in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I have had the opportunity to play with many great artists, these artists include Blues Legend Lance Lopez of Super Sonic Blues Machine, Kayla Reeves singer from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jim Suhler the guitarist for George Thorogood, 5 time Grammy winner Tim Alexander from Asleep at the Wheel, Grammy winning trumpet player Phil Driscoll and last but not least guitar Legend Andy Timmons from Danger Danger and Pawn Kings. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I started teaching privately when I was in high school. I taught just a couple of kids and found it fun. I was a little busy to teach in college as I was concentrating on learning to be a professional saxophonist. My teachers include Doug Heath, Bob Seligson, Terry Autry, and Todd Goranson. I was able to learn at a relatively high level in school and continued that through grad school. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

James also has opened up with his own band Sea of Glass for Spyra Gyra at the Greenwood Jazz Festival in Oklahoma. In 2007 James played on the Lords Prayer album with Vanessa Bell Armstrong, James Ingram, Sheila E, and many more other gospel, jazz r&b artists from 1994 to present. James says “I was raised on classical music from an early age, my mother sang opera and I started playing guitar at 12 years old. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginners, I use Rebecca Simonfalvi's called "Potential Contender." It is geared for young children starting out in band. For adults, I generally move between Trevor Wye's "Beginners book for the flute" or the Rubank Elementary Method. If needed, especially with the young, I generally have my students take notes of lessons. I also teach basic theory to give students a deeper understanding of the music. For the advanced student, the focus becomes about fine-tuning fundamentals, and learning repertoire that will propel them forward to the next level. Read More