Music Lessons in Oak Ridge, NC

Instruments: Trumpet

I like to say that while I have a very methodical and systematic approach to teaching that I am also relaxed and laid back. I never want my students to fear their lesson. While I expect progress for the serious student I also fully recognize the limitations and conflicts of "life getting in the way". I am a big proponent of giving compliments whenever possible. I am not a cookie cutter teacher in that I can adapt my teaching style to meet the needs and goals of the student. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a musician is seeing the development and growth of the next generation and their take on the music. That being said it is important that each student have a personalized style to fit the needs of the student. By setting goals and task to be practiced in between lessons I am encouraging students to push themselves and find passion and gratitude in their accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

I have been teaching since I was in high school, and have enjoyed each lesson. I emphasize a strong fundamental base and building upon each students individual interests to help them develop their musical curiosity. I like to model lessons after an ideal practice session, starting with a fundamental warmup and development, moving into scale work, and then addressing the repertoire being studied. I always take my students' interest in mind when selecting repertoire and make sure they are staying engaged through the lessons as well as wanting to practice outside the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Colorado Music Festival, section, 2013 (returning by invitation for summer 2014) Freelance cellist in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, North Carolina, Roanoke and Charleston symphonies, and North Carolina Opera Phantom, The Las Vegas Spectacular!, Cellist, May 2006-September 2012 (closed on 9/2/2012) College of Southern Nevada, Adjunct Faculty, September 2006-May 2012 Las Vegas Philharmonic, Substitute Principal, November 13, 2004 (Andrea Bocelli); Section, December, 2004 through May, 2005; Assistant-Principal, May, 2005 Nevada School of the Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada, Faculty, 2005-2011 New California Conservatory, Los Angeles, California, Faculty, 2003-04 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Term Assistant Professor of Music: Cello/Bass/Music History, 2001-03 Milwaukee Ballet, section, 2000 Colorado Music Festival, section, 1998, 2000-05; Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon Keyboard Djembe

My teaching experience dates back to high school. I was a student leader in the marching band, serving as the woodwind captain for the marching band and the senior student conductor for the concert bands. With these positions, I was able to tutor peers and work on expanding my knowledge of teaching music. Once I graduated, I continued to be employed as the clarinet technician for the marching band at my high school for the next 4 years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

I began teaching a younger cello student while I was in high school, serving as an intermediary between him and his primary teacher. There, I was just an extra pair of ears, but it helped me to focus on my own technique and how to most efficiently play my instrument. Thus, I believe classical methods of teaching are most effective for getting a student off the ground and running on the cello. Read More