Music Lessons in Oakland, MO

Instruments: Voice

I love to see students come out of their shell!  It gives me so much pleasure to watch the progression of a student who starts out shy and scared to sing in public, to commanding a stage and audience after a series of lessons.  I like to move at the students pace, while encouraging and challenging the student to push themselves with healthy vocal practices and exercises, while in, and away from the studio.  My goal for my students is to help them find their own, unique voice and style! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at the age of ten. Inspired by numerous classic rock musicians, I began to develop an immense passion for the guitar. However, I was only able to play guitar by ear early on in my development. So although I had a basic technique, I had no real understanding of how to create music or what is often considered the language of music. Finally at the age of 16, I took lessons from a local teacher who introduced me to scales and theory. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar

I have found my way through music primarily as an instrumentalist, though I have enjoyed being able to stretch my talents into both teaching and writing. While studying Jazz at the University of Central Missouri, I was able to pick up a wide range of experiences with concert and classical playing. I had the opportunities to perform multiple times with various musicals on campus as well, on a small range of instruments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I love to learn new things! Music is a life long learning process which always leaves room for new things to be discovered. I began music in England with rock music, but my passion to understand music drove me to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's in Jazz. I have played in venues all over and in all situations. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

  Typically, students have music they are working on for their band class. I help students overcome any difficulties they have with this music and move on to more challenging material. If the student has no material, I typically use the Essential Elements book for beginning and intermediate students, and Rochut, Arbans, and other method books and solos for advanced students. The goal of lessons is to challenge the student with appropriate material, diagnose problems, provide solutions, and improve musical understanding and knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my professional career -- which includes several public relations, marketing and advertising positions -- my favorite and most rewarding activities have centered around music. Whenever possible, I use my own method, which includespromoting spatial relationships and patterns. Although composition is not my specialty, I certainly can do the basics and then point them to a more accomplished musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More