Music Lessons in Old Hickory, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Flute Clarinet

I am an experienced music educator. I like to teach the student what the student wants to learn. I keep lessons relevant while introducing new and standard material and focusing on a good foundation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I was introduced as a 6 year old into the Thompson and Diller Quayle methods via my classical piano instructor who was a college professor at Lewis Clark College in Portland, Oregon. My jazz instruction took me through the Michael Aaron method and the Mikrokosmos. At Instrumental Music in Los Angeles we favored the Bastien and Alfred methods, and since moving here to Nashville I have added the Faber Faber method and the brand new Helen Marlais system to my repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My teaching style isopen-minded, enriched with kind, positive words, and based on clarity. I find that the best teaching style is one that anticipates the student's needs and guides him or her on a stable, rigorous, and inspiring musical journey. The goal is to build a fearless, fun-loving, and mature student of the arts who is confident in his or her ability. I have developed specific techniques to deal with performance anxiety, physical limitations, and common musical challenges. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Typically, I begin with regimented learning. For guitar students, I use Hal Leonards Guitar Method 1. For voice students, I teach basic breathing exercises and fun, sustainable and memorable warm-ups. From there, I begin to prep them for their first solo performances. I offer studio-wide performance opportunities for new and experienced students to show off their skills! As they progress, I teach to their interests and needs. Some students may be in high school prepping for Solo and Ensemble, or All-State Chorus auditions, or even college auditions. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching private lessons when I was in college and just beginning to gain the playing experience that would lead to my 20+ years as a profesional drummer. I continued to teach sporadically during my time with the Goo Goo Dolls. Over the past year I have concentrated more on teaching than I had before, and I have found it to be a very fulfilling experience to see the excitement that students show when learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

First, I believe it is important all students have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of the instrument, which may include some scale exercises, for example. Once we achieve a basic level, we can move along to some solo repertoire, etudes, and tunes that target a specific area to keep lessons fun and engaging, all while reaffirming subjects learned previously. Regarding jazz and improvisation, lessons will cover a broad spectrum, ranging from modal improvisation, to bebop and postmodern styles, all while focusing on harmonic functionality and individual expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has started to grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. 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. I do try to maintain a balance of classical music, modern music, and music theory. Read More