Music Lessons in Pleasant Ridge, MI

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

Depending on a student's interests, I could start with several books like Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist (for all-around bass playing). If reading skills are a main goal of a student's focus, I use repertoire from the standard canon and IMSLP. I feel that improvisation is an often overlooked key to self-expression and mastery of one's instrument, so I introduce concepts used in making up solos and some theory as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar

My lessons will be pretty focused on music theory so that, in time, the student will be able to make their own music with ease. For new beginners, I'd likely ask which song they wanted to learn. And then I'd teach it to them, while also explaining scales, how to build chords, and the theory used in the song. Because my favorite part of playing music is improvisation, that's my go-to goal for the student, but I'm always willing to adjust my teaching methods accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I do not provide a strict curriculum. Instead, I form lessons based on student's needs as I feel this is more effective and more personalized. Things that we may explore include; warm-ups, posture, breathing techniques, tongue twisters, learning to read notation, and rhythm. I prided myself on not only teaching the basics of singing but how the body works in conjunction with it. I strive for my students to not only know 'how' but also 'why'. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For young children (3-9) I exclusively use the Suzuki method and require a lot of parental involvement. I am happy to start children ages 10+ as well as teenagers. Having been a product of a school orchestra myself, I will use a more traditional teaching approach. The adult beginner or adult returner presents unique challenges but I wholeheartedly believe its never too late to start playing an instrument. Scales and other technique builders are at the forefront of every players lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching music for more than 10 years. While living in New York City I taught group ensemble classes for students ages 10-16 which played everything from jazz standards to pop, rock, hip-hop and blues. I’ve taught private lessons in drums, guitar and piano for Third Street Music Settlement, the country’s oldest community music school. My students have went on to participate in Berklee School of Music and Jazz at Lincoln Center educational programs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass

Customized approach to idividual students, Ensemble learning in group settings. Classically influenced technique. Emphasis on REAL WORLD application of technique, theory, and improvisation. Read More

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

When I see my students improving and chasing their dreams, it fills me with utter joy! I like watching students think critically about what they are doing while working through any incongruencies in their thought process. Each student is different and requires specific teaching styles in order for them to progress efficiently. I like to get to know my students' interests and how they view the world, which I then use to aid them in achieving their goals. Read More