Music Lessons in Oak Grove, MO

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

I have used several curricula and books by Mel Bay, Alfred, Hal Leonard and others. But in the last 15 years I have developed and used mostly my own books and recordings which are very thorough. I started developing this curriculum out of necessity because there was no one book that helped my students from a beginner phase all the way through intermediate and advanced levels in guitar playing. I incorporate both music fundamentals in note reading with basic guitar friendly concepts in chording up to advanced open chords. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Karla received her Music Educators license in Instrumental Music from William Jewell College in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher. She started private teaching violin and viola lessons in 2002 at REW Band and Orchestra. From there she went to Northland Cathedral School of music in 2006 before starting her own studio in 2010.   Currently, Karla plays 4th chair viola with the St. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I want to avoid overwhelming you with too many new skills at once. Once basic instrument skills are solid, we shift our focus to note reading. For this, I usually use the *Essential Elements* book, mastering notes on one string at a time, starting with the D and A strings. We first focus on pitch, followed by rhythm notation. For Intermediate Students The focus shifts more toward tone quality and advanced techniques such as shifting, vibrato, improving intonation, different articulations, bow strokes, and dynamics. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal with students is to give them the tools and inspiration to enjoy music, and love playing their instruments. I have always placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of the foundations of music, but I try to do it in a way that is fun and palpable, and especially for young students. I have been fortunate enough to have lessons from excellent instructors, and I try to borrow my favorite methods from each of them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

for beginning students who are children and just starting out, i typically start with the basic elements of either voice or guitar, depending on which lesson you have chosen. once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire which is age - appropriate of course, in hopes of preparing them for a first recital, perhaps. for adults, 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: Piano Voice Music

I believe that an understanding of music theory and learning to read music is the foundation of success for both my piano and voice students which is why I typically require my voice students to be taking piano simultaneously with voice. For beginning piano students, I will typically begin with the James Bastien Primer/Level 1 Series with the focus split equally between theory and technique. I require students to fill out a practice log monthly to ensure that they are maintaining the knowledge and skills they learn in lessons and so that parents can be involved in their progress. Read More