Music Lessons in Laporte, CO

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I was my own first student. I began teaching myself how to play the piano over 10 years ago. Throughout this process I learned how to approach some typically confusing topics in much more digestible ways. A benefit to starting out as a self taught musician is that I had to learn how to make sense of things myself rather than memorizing information that a teacher fed me. A main focus of mine as a teacher is encouraging regular practice routines where the student can solidify the information we discuss in our lessons as well as uncover new questions they may have about the subject. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am a firm believer that each and every student with the excitement to learn can succeed. That said, everyone moves at their own pace and responds differently when learning new skills. Therefore, I have learned to adapt to the student and tailor my instruction so that they are comfortable in the learning process. Some students are more quiet than others, but I still encourage my students to ask questions and talk through the problems they encounter. Read More

Instruments: Voice Fiddle Music

I will always encourage each student, because I believe that everybody has musical ability, and I like to keep competition to a minimum. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to acknowledge the student's strengths as often as possible! The weaknesses are just what we're there to work on. I like to emphasize improvisation, as it's a skill that will follow you everywhere. Above all, though, I want the student to be happy and to love what they're doing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

For Beginners, I usually begin with very rudimentary stick control patterns to get used to how the stick feels in the hands. As the lessons progress, then I will instruct patterns on drumset if wanted. The student can request whatever style of drumming they would like to delve into, anywhere from latin percussion to jazz drumset. I like to keep lessons fun and engaging for students of all skill levels and ages, so along with assignments I will come up with improvised grooves and patterns on the spot Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning students, and even with advanced students, it is important to first agree on a common vocabulary, and asses the level of fluidity in reading musical notation. Next are some basic written exercises to correlate notation and playing in the mind of the student. This initial theoretical tie-in allows for a more substantial expansion in understanding in the long term, as well as a strong basis for the development of one's improvisational capacity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am an avid music educator and performer. I am originally from Austin, TX, but moved to Colorado in order to pursue a masters degree in performance and pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder. I have performed throughout Colorado as a saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist. I love listening to all kinds of music including jazz, classical, folk and funk. As an educator, I have given several clinics and masterclasses in Texas and Colorado. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I would describe my methodology as strength-based but rooted in patience and enjoyment. As each student brings with them characteristics that are physical, mental as well as emotional, learning these characteristics allows me insights which form the creative process. For example, I had a student years ago that had a finger anomaly (he had been bit on the finger by his wife's cat so we called it "cat scratch finger") and this prevented him from laying his ring finger flat on his fretting hand. Read More