Music Lessons in Oxford, NC

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students, I start with the basics and like to teach from the Hal Leonard fundamentals books, but it also depends on the type of student. Some are more visual learners whereas others might be more auditory inclined. I modify my teaching style to accommodate the student. Understandably, theory can get mundane, but I try to make learning fun and applicable so a lot of what I teach directly involves playing on the keys instead of writing things in books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard

As a musician, I have performed several self-financed and self-planned tours through the South, Northeast, and over the East Coast. I have performed over fifty concerts in 11 states, including North Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Maine, Mississippi, Georgia, and California. Notable artists I have shared concert bills with have included Kayla Nettles, who later became a contestant on "American Idol," and Eli James, who has since become the touring drummer for Julien-K. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginners, I start by focusing on developing a good sound and ensuring that the student knows what a good sound is and what it is not. Air is the foundation of a good sound so, in my introductory lessons, I focus heavily on breathing and air support. This is a foundation that is continued throughout the time the student continues to take lessons. I then begin to work with the student on fundamentals such as articulation, slide control, intonation, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Cyndi emphasizes note reading, rhythm, technic and theory at every lesson to prepare students to ultimately learn independently.  Building confidence is key factor in music lessons. Each student is unique.  Everyone has their own learning style, appreciation for music, coordination and goals. In the 1:1 lesson, the teacher has the responsibility to meet the students' unique learning style for the best results. Having conducted research in The Mozart Effect in graduate school, Cyndi firmly believes that music increases spacial ability which leads to better math skills and increases intelligence/apptitude in children. Read More

Instruments: Piano

When working with younger students, my approach is twofold. First, I like to work with Alfred's Basic Series to establish a solid goundwork for reading music and mastering technique. Second, I like to cater the lessons to the student's particular interest, whether preparing solo pieces, practicing theory through ear training and sight reading, or writing compositions. For adults, I like working together to determine the student's goals to keep music-making challenging and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

I started giving trombone lessons to grade and high school student's since 2005. In 2006 I started leading concert and jazz bands. Immediately out of college in 2008 I worked as a music teacher teaching guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and voice for 3 years. In 2011, I moved to Peru where I was the #1 on call jazz trombonist in Lima, and was a trombone professor at the National Conservatory of music where I taught trombone technique and jazz improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion

I begin all students on snare drum. This allows for the proper development of hand technique that is the base of percussion. I teach the original 26 rudiments along with the Breeze Easy method books for beginners, or students that do not read music. With the drum kit I encourage students to become familiar with as many styles of music they can. I use the blending of styles to help mold the student from a drummer to a musician, and help create an individual sound; Read More