Music Lessons in Massillon, OH

Instruments: Piano

I love seeing my students' pride as they are successful in music. With the student, I work to establish short- and long-term goals and I try to provide incentive for meeting these goals. I have a prize box from which the student can pick something (Small candies, pencils, pens, stickers, bubbles, etc.) when they achieve a short-term goal (i.e. learn 5 songs in February, or something similar). When a student achieves a long-term goal (a specific festival rating, completing a level in their method, etc) I have gift cards that they choose from. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I grew up in the chicagoland area where my music career started young. I tried many instruments but eventually landed on guitar early in high school which has been my passion ever since. After High School I continued guitar and studied at Elmhurst College near Chicago, while there I performed with many ensembles in a large variety of genres and styles. I have toured internationally and around the country. The last few years I have been performing with Brass From the Past, a 13 piece ensemble performing rock, soul and motown classics from all eras. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I encourage my students to set short as well as long term goals so that they can have a timetable of tangible results as motivators to get to the next level. I always take into consideration the amount of time that we have together (number of lessons per month) in order to reach these goals so I am able to keep everything on track. Every lesson is going to be structured with a few fundamental topics (snare technique, sight reading, styles, grooves, and soloing). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

Each student learns differently and I accommodate and tailor my lessons accordingly. Percussion beginners will build their foundation on the standard snare drum rudiments and Moeller technique. So will the professionals. Beginner guitar students will focus on tuning the instrument, basic chords, scales and playing techniques. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first love is playing for the love of music, second, to teach, even more than performing, all ages..Beginners, we first make sure they're not tone deaf. Advance, like with any good indtructor, we listen and watch for and handicaps, or limitations, formulate a plan, and bridge the gap and take them further faster ... Read More