Music Lessons in Ortonville, MI

Instruments: Voice

I am passionate about teaching students to sing.Breaking skills down into component parts is essential so that each student feels their own independent success in each lesson.My teaching style gives students a sense of accomplishment and also encourages them to work to the best of their ability. This success is balanced with constructive feedback that motivates students for greater accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. 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: 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

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. By having these realistic goals, students will feel greater accomplishment at what they achieved as I do not want to overwhelm the student with too much material or information. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching guitar lessons in my home studio while I was still in college. I encourage frequent practice on a consistent schedule. When I began playing as a teenager, I practiced for up to 11 hours each day. There is no way that I could expect any of my students to possibly do that, but I do stress the importance of practicing often while keeping things fun. I also encourage my students to keep an open mind and listen to all genres of music, as there is something that can be learned from each genre, from metal to jazz to classical. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since 2011, during the summers, I was an employee for the New York Summer Music Festival or NYSMF for short. I started at NYSMF as a counselor and music theory teacher and I later earned a position as TA and Commercial Voice-Over Teacher. The festival is a wonderful place that hosts 11 to 21 year olds at SUNY Oneonta for 2-week session jampacked with ensemble rehearsal, solo and ensemble performances, guest artist concerts, classes, faculty/staff or student showcases, masterclasses and so much more. Read More