Music Lessons in Ponderosa Forest, TX

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I do is determine the student's skill level, what the student can play, and how I can build on that. For a student who has never played before, I begin by explaining the physics of the instrument. Why a string makes a particular sound, what makes that sound higher or lower in pitch and why that is; then how to use that to write or imitate a particular melody. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

My greatest interest in music rests in Ethnomusicology. I have a particular passion for traditional Celtic music, and am proficient in the Tin Whistles. I also dabble in traditional Native American flutes, and own instruments from Guatamaula and the indigenous tribes of Alaska. With my teaching comes a deep appreciation for music, the message it sends, and the way that music culture affects the people around us. I continue to expand my knowledge of cultural musics, and would love the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

I have been teaching for 25+ years in schools and privately. The crucial part of my teaching method is an individual approach. We all are different and that makes teaching more fun but it also makes it challenging and at times very difficult. It takes a lot of patience and experience to unlock one's individuality in learning and performing. I do use books at the same time I try to develop student's ears. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days. I taught private lessons to students at the middle school I attended so they would be prepared for what they'd have to do once they got to our level. As a senior in high school I aided the drumline at another local high school that had just opened. At the present time I am teaching musicians of all ages, ranging from the age of 6 to elderly adult. Before graduating from college, my passion for and knowledge of percussion created an opportunity for me to work for the North Forest Community All-Star Band Drumline and the North Forest High School Drumline. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I have been a music instructor since 1979. I teach the piano, spinet organ and keyboards. I also have a passion in MIDI computer music. I love seeing students excel and be given the opportunity to do well in their skill set. The process of life-long learning, sharing of knowledge and skills is one of my deepest passions in the teaching and training field. I enjoy teaching both onsite and online utilizing traditional methods along with current computer technology combined with effective teaching strategies and approaches which engages students and learners in a motivating and enriching learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I encourage progress, not the speed of which progress occurs. I set realistic goals and tasks that help focus on other aspects of performing so the student is not focused on their own voice and singing all the time. The very first thing I always do before each lesson is I ask "What do you want to work on today"? This can mean vocal technique, acting choices, interpretation or a particular passage within a song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

With my wind instrument and percussion students, I like to start with a method book. My favorites include Essential Elements and Standard of Excellence. I find that, especially for younger students, this is a great way to introduce beginner theory while learning to apply it to their playing. I spend a great deal of time discussing the importance of breath and practicing breathing gym exercises. My piano method book of choice varies depending on the skill level of the student. Read More