Music Lessons in Portage, WI

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching voice during my undergraduate college years. Since then, I have taught both in-studio and in-home lessons. My students have consistently received high honors in solo and ensemble performances, as well as singing, leads in school and area productions. My piano students develop good beginning technique and theory skills that help prepare them as they move into the advanced repertoire. Both my piano and voice students perform in competitions regularly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute

I combine basic method books with added improv, pop tunes etc. that grabs the students interest and expands their musical world-view. I make it fun and get them out of the comfort zone of the book, by letting go and trying new things. I may have flute students improvise on the blues, and in the process teach them about the basic 12 bar blues structure, which is the foundation for all of pop music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

During my year at North Carolina School of the Arts, I studied under Kevin Lawrence, a prestigious student of Ivan Galamian. Under his guidance, I was first instructed in the Galamian method of violin playing, which is what I recommend first and foremost to students. In theory and playing across various string instruments, Galamian's methods developed violin playing in the twentieth century, which are what I continue forward, using new techniques and technology in the twenty-first. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've been singing, playing drums, and piano for the past twelve years. I've received formal training in voice and drums, so if you want really solid technique and discipline, these are my two strongest areas to deliver. I learned how to play guitar and bass because whenever my bandmates were out of town, I couldn't record anything, so now I can be my own band! Because I couldn't afford lessons for five instruments, I had to settle with teaching myself. Read More

Instruments: Piano Djembe

I have been offering music education since 2009, where I have had the luxury to work, learn and play with students, other fellow musicians and experience music education in a variety of environments and platforms whether in person or via the internet. I am a self-taught musician, beginning at Edgewood College, where I served as the pianist in the Jazz Ensemble. After college, I had the opportunity to play professionally for several years; as the pianist in the Jeff Peronto Jazz Orchestra (Big Band) and also was the pianist for a period of time with Madison, WI Jazz Club "Cafe' Coda" owner, Hanah Jon Taylor in the Hanah Jon Taylor Artet (Jazz Combo). Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

If someone does a technique wrong for 7 months, it willprobleytake me 17 to fix it and break the habit. I use several books for my students but two of my favorites are both written by Louie Bellson. "Modern Reading Text in 4/4 time" and "Modern Reading text in odd-time" - They are different books than most use, and I use them especially for my jazz students but I have fount them to be invaluable. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching style stems from my experience as a professional singer. I’ve been in GRAMMY award winning groups and performed in plays, musicals, and choirs all around the world AND I’m still performing. Some teachers tell you what to do or how to sound, but they don’t have any idea what it’s like to live a performer’s lifestyle. They have a single way to teach all voices and all types of singing without concern for your individual needs. Read More