Music Lessons in Ortonville, MI

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been teaching way back since i was a teenager. Was sort of a natural at getting across to people. my passion for music culminated with me getting an education in it and living it out. I regularly perform which is a motivating factor for many of my students. I always ask "why do this...so the walls in your 8 X 12 are entertained?" Of course there are some that only want to play the guitar for their own personal gain, IE "Picking and Grinning" and to that I understand and commend. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

At the age of ten, I began my musical adventures with a trombone in my hand. During my primary school days, I was active in music, picking up a number of different instruments, and playing in every ensemble imaginable- from symphony band to brass quintet to big band. After high school I traveled to Western Michigan University, where I began studying bass trombone full time, under the tutelage of Dr. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe in student-driven goal setting, so my students and I set a goal for each lesson. This allows them to push themselves but staying comfortable while doing so. Students will learn at their own pace while being supported and encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. My belief system is rooted in celebrating any and all progress and small victories. With a supportive teacher, a student can do anything! Read More

Instruments: Voice

In voice lessons, skills must be broken down into component parts so that students achieve success.I use vocal exercises as etudes to teach specific content such as accessing ones entire vocal range. My students are given simultaneous praise and feedback to help acheive desired skills. A recent student whose range has been increasing has reported regularly that she feels accomplished following her lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use the Faber method for my beginner students. Sometimes with students who are 4 or 5 years I use the pre-beginners books from Alfred. Other times I use the Suzuki method, depending on the level of understanding. Alongside those books, I use technique books to build good, strong hand especially for young kids. As we move along I start giving solo repertoire from different eras of music to introduce the student to different kinds of music from different composers. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginner students of any age, I would normally recommend Alfred's Drum Method Book 1, or Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming as they both cover a great intro to reading rythmic notation, proper grip forms, and snare drum method as they also start to incorporate rudiments. It often surprises people that the only purchases REQUIRED for starting to learn drums is: a practice pad, a book, and a pair of sticks (maybe a music stand). Read More