Music Lessons in Mentor, OH

Instruments: Piano Drums

My initial lesson with the student will involve gauging the interests and skill level of the student, as well as determining what motivates him/her and creates excitement about music. Thereafter, I choose one or two method books which seem to best fit the student's ability level and contain exercises and short etudes which will maintain the student's interest and motivation. I also stay attuned to the student's preferred musical styles, and incorporate techniques that will best serve the music that they prefer to play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started playing the guitar at age 14. There was just something about it, I would find myself playing for hours on end. The sound, the feel. I loved all facets of playing the guitar. In 1998 I started to get very serious about my playing and started playing professionally in studios, recording for various artists and record labels. In 1999 I wrote and performed the theme song for the Home Depot. In 2006, I started working on soundtracks and commercial production music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Euphonium French Horn

The most essential element of music is FUN. Naturally, all students meet challenges and frustrating situations. Because I have experienced this myself, I understand completely! I develop a unique approach with each of my students. I am very comfortable teaching voice, piano, and brass instruments. For all of my students, I am fully aware of the standard method books. However, in the past, I have made a special point of working from those books only until it's no longer necessary. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding then seeing a student from many years ago either talk about when they had lessons with me or see them playing somewhere either live or online. I have had many students continue to play when they entered college just for fun and a way of meeting people with similar interests. I enjoy showing a student how to play both the clarinet and saxophone. I would rather teach a student on how to play something rather than me performing it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

For beginning piano students, I use Marilyn Lowe's Music Moves for Piano series. If a student already has purchased piano books or has piano books from an older sibling, I would not ask the student to purchase more books until we had used what they already had to its full capacity. For adults and older beginners (piano and voice), 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: Violin

When starting with a young beginner student, I typically start with the beginning Suzuki Method books or Essential Elements books. I will also work on school repertoire if applicable. Once they have advanced past the level of the Suzuki books, I will begin to introduce solo works appropriate for their level and desire. When teaching adults of varying abilities, my methods are much more tailored to their wants in terms of style of music, difficulty of the pieces and the speed at which they would like to learn. Read More