Music Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano

I teach courses and lessons in piano, music theory and music appreciation at Volunteer State Community College at the rank of Assistant Professor (five years now). I taught courses in music theory while earning my Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky (1997-2000).My experience as a professional pianist includes: serving with the 101st Division Band (Army) as a pianist (1982-85), staff accompanist at East Tennessee State University (1993), and collaborative pianist for the Interlochen Arts Camp (summer of 2011). Read More

Instruments: Flute

For all students I try to incorporate all elements of music by including appropriate amounts music history and theory into my lessons. For beginners, I tend to utilize Trevor Wye exercises, and slowly incorporate small musical pieces. Although tedious, I believe that scales and etudes make students technically and musically proficient. I therefore include them in my lessons, but ensure the students are gaining the benefit of these exercises. I like to approach lessons from a wholistic standpoint, putting an emphasis on a student's posture, breathing and attitude. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Typically, I begin with regimented learning. For guitar students, I use Hal Leonards Guitar Method 1. For voice students, I teach basic breathing exercises and fun, sustainable and memorable warm-ups. From there, I begin to prep them for their first solo performances. I offer studio-wide performance opportunities for new and experienced students to show off their skills! As they progress, I teach to their interests and needs. Some students may be in high school prepping for Solo and Ensemble, or All-State Chorus auditions, or even college auditions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching Skype students for the last year. I'll teach whatever the student is eager to learn. We could cover anything from a song on the radio, to superimposition to flatpicking. I am at the mercy of the student. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My method of coaching focuses on three main areas: diaphragmatic breathing, vocal fold alignment, and proper laryngeal positioning. These three areas have a direct impact on tone quality, placement and ease of transition from chest voice to mix voice. The first few lessons with a new student always begins with good diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with edging techniques for fold alignment up to the first vocal bridge. Once the student feels comfortable in both of those areas, I then combine those areas with proper larynx positioning to seamlessly navigate their first vocal bridge! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching methods for all instruments are to start with the basics and slowly build the foundation of a good, overall musician. For piano, I begin with Faber Piano Adventuresand Beginning Piano for Adultsby Bastien Bastien. With vocal instruction, I prefer to begin with vocal excrsises to strengthen the voice. Once the student is ready, we will move into repertoire like the first and second book of solos (for any range) by G. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My life's work has been focused on my enthusiastic and passionate approach to music. I started piano lessons when I was 5 years old, and have studied and played the guitar since I was 10 years old. I have a specific appreciation for the skills required to play instruments on professional recordings. I started my own recording studio when I was 18 years old, and have been making records ever since. I have sang and played a variety of instruments on many recordings, including acoustic and electric guitar, bass, pedal steel, banjo, mandolin, ukelele, piano, and organ. Read More