Music Lessons in Ortonville, MI

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It is important to me that each student feels comfortable during their lessons. I am very patient and understanding; I fully believe that a low-pressure environment helps students to thrive. Setting realistic goals is something else that I feel is important. No one is going to leave their very first guitar lesson playing like Yngwie Malmsteen, except for maybe Yngwie himself, so there is no possible way that I could expect that from any of my students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am a firm believer in showing rather than telling. I always have at least one type of saxophone with me during lessons if not more. For example, if I have a student who is taking baritone saxophone lessons, then I will have a baritone saxophone with me. My goal is not to play along with the student during these lessons; rather it is simply there if I need to demonstrate a key concept to my student. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I started teaching private lessons during my undergraduate degree at Northern Michigan University. I partnered up with the local middle and high school to teach one on one lessons as well as group sectionals. For the year and a half that I taught this groups of trombonists I learned a lot about how to cater my teachings to each individual student, as not everyone learns in the same ways. I have done marching band, concert bands, orchestras, jazz bands, funk groups, brass bands, trombone choirs, and even rock groups over the 15 years I have been playing the trombone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I am passionate about my students and about music. From the outset of working with music students I emphasize the importance of good posture and handling of their instrument, good breathing technique, good embouchure, and regular practice in order to develop strong embouchure and technique and knowledge of their instrument. I love teaching! Whether it is music, dance, math, or anything else I may find myself teaching, I give my all to my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

For beginning students, I start with the traditional Mel Bay (or comparable) beginner books that focus on the fundamentals while building strength and coordination and just build from there.  For students with a little more experience, I like to focus on more challenging exercises and concepts while nurturing their knowledge of music theory and performance.  Each student is different and knowing what motivates them motivates me.  My goal is to have them want to pick up their instrument and play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I love to  see my students improve. When a student is bored then I am not doing my job as a teacher. Inspiring my students is  an important part of my teaching. I love seeing my kids improve and believe they can do anything. Read More