Music Lessons in Panama, NE

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I love singing! I feel so lucky to have performed for some of the greatest singers of our time: Rene Elise Goldsberry (Broadway), Jennifer Rowley (Metropolitan Opera), Kristine Opolais (Met), Ailyn Perz (Met), and Lisette Oropesa (Met). I have also performed in venues and companies all over the world: Thailand, Hawaii, Italy, and Austria. My goal as a teacher is to share what I have learned from the best of the best and from around the globe to help ALL my students reach their full potential and thrive as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginning trumpet students, I start with a combination of Clark and Arbank Technical studies for a formal structure. A majority of the technical teaching I do is based on these two methods. I also implement techniques from the Sheridan and Pilafian Breathing Gym to establish the fundamental mechanics of generating sound. For all students, regardless of ability, lessons will have some foundation in the breath and the mechanics of breathing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students I really get to know where the student is at in their learning experience. I try to individualize the learning experience as much as possible, learning about the student's background his or her interests in music. Also, I would track the student's progress carefully taking notes about lessons to better guide them in their musical journey. Above all striving to foster a great curiosity to learn! Learning music is so rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Tuba

My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a love for music and the skills to pursue individual musical interests effectively. The goal is to become a "musician", not just learn the rudiments of playing an instrument or singing properly. Thus, I include a lot of focus on expressive musicality - even early on - as well as a deliberate and purposeful inclusion of history, culture, and related topics; even some psychology! Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I would always follow each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. For children, I would also offer a reward such as candy to boost their excitement and passion for learning piano. When it comes to piano theory, I would reward them with a sticker on their homework page that is completed on time. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For a good basis of knowledge in drumming I typically like to employ several method books. David Stanoch's Mastering the Tables of Time, George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, Steve Houghton's Essential Styles books 1 2, and Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm. Need of materials will depend on each student's current level of understanding, each student's personal goals, curriculum used within their school, audition requirements for colleges, state solo ensemble repertoire lists, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Keyboard

Blake has performed as part of the Grammy Jazz Band, Jazz Band of America, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Iowa All-state Jazz Band, Iowa All-state Band, Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, The Symphony of Northern Arkansas and the Brubeck Jazz Colony. Blake recently graduated with his masters in trombone performance from the University of Arkansas where he served as a teaching assistant to the trombone studio. While in Arkansas, Blake held the position of 2nd trombone in the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra. Read More