Music Lessons in New River, AZ

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer

I've been playing keyboards since the age of ten. I graduated from Arizona State University where I studied music theory and composition. I have a special passion for composing music, and finished 3rd place nationally in the Music Teacher's National Composition Competition in 1987. As a professional musician, I've toured with The Fortunes, and performed with The Coasters and Ritchie Havens. I have just completed my third CD, titled Jazzed Up. I enjoy performing and teaching all styles of music including, classical, jazz, and pop, and love sharing my passion of music with my students. I believe that music instruction should not only be educational, but also enjoyable, exciting and rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Oboe English Horn

Every person is different. Therefore, it is safe to say that everyone's learning style is different as well. As your teacher, it is my job to discover how you best learn and respond to the material I assign. I make each student an individual plan that will help them succeed. I want my students to have fun, too... after all, that's what music is all about! I like to play duets with my students and teach them basic reed- making tips, something they will need to know if they continue with oboe. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to have a balance in my lessons between fun and challenge.  I do this by setting realistic goals each week for my students, dependent on their level of perfomance and the pace that they are progressing.  Not everyone will progress at the same pace, and I feel that it is more important for a student to master a particular lesson than to move quickly through the lesson book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I use several methods; Royal Conservatory of Music, Alfred, and Faber to name a few. These publishers provide lesson books, theory, and pieces. The selection of books will vary because there is no "one size fits all" solution. I introduce fundamentals, then solo pieces in various styles. Often same concepts are used in different types of music. So for example, musical structure within a piece can be shown in classical and even popular music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

With young students, I allow myself to be a bit more comprehensive in that I can start from the very basics from the beginning and even come up with simple games with rhythm, basic ear training and reading notation. The big challenge with young players is the actual act of physically playing the guitar and I encourage parents to invest in a quality instrument that is easy to play. I try and get my older children and teenagers to try and play as early as possible to develop a passion for the instrument, but not before building an understanding of the basics. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I began teaching back in high school, having a few students for a couple of years until I graduated that ranged from child to adult. I was not able to have the opportunity to teach privately to students in college, as pursuing two degrees was very time consuming and overwhleming at times! I missed teaching dearly, and I am so excited to be done with school to get back into inspiring students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my days working in Los Angeles working as staff composer songwriter, as I began to teach private piano and voice lessons part time 15 years ago I've found that a combination of blues and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy and progress their studies in piano, voice and guitar. The most important lesson is to have FUN! I encourage my students to work on their own compositions that promotes creativity. Read More