Music Lessons in Newport, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Music has always been my full-time profession. At the age of 13 I started playing bass in local bands professionally. After high school, I embarked on a collegiate musical journey, which led me to stays at Columbia College in Chicago, Bowling Green State University (where I received a full tuition scholarship) and Wayne State University. During that time, I have always kept up a busy lesson studio and performance schedule. During the last 8 years I have performed over 150 times per year, all over the country. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use the Faber method for my beginner students. Sometimes with students who are 4 or 5 years I use the pre-beginners books from Alfred. Other times I use the Suzuki method, depending on the level of understanding. Alongside those books, I use technique books to build good, strong hand especially for young kids. As we move along I start giving solo repertoire from different eras of music to introduce the student to different kinds of music from different composers. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have three main books I use; these are my drum 'bibles'. Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin. I like to teach fundamentals first, providing a strong basis with which to expand your repetoire. Then I like to emphasize song work. The best part of drumming in my opinion is playing with other instruments, and in addition to playing with recorded music, I encourage my students to find other musicians to practice and even perform with. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Young children literally have a small voice so they cannot produce the same volume or quality of sound as an adult. For young children that are ready to start training, the lessons are structured to avoid straining the voice. The music chosen for young students is age-appropriate, lyric-appropriate and within the range of a young voice. I accompany my students on the piano and can transpose music that a child likes to a key that is easier for them to sing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students from beginners through adults and tailor each lesson to the individual. My teaching style combines structured concepts from method books with real examples from well-known songs to help students understand how music works in a practical way. I regularly ask students about their interests and goals and either teach those directly or suggest related material that helps them progress. During lessons, I record short demonstration videos and provide detailed tabs with practice notes so students leave with clear guidance on what to work on between sessions. Read More