Music Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Voice Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is unique.....I evaluate the students and try to learn from their likes and dislikes and teach accordingly.....the Last thing a teacher wants to do is Discourage a young stundent ,inundating then with boring songs......a teacher that makes an impact will carefully listen to the students finding out what style of music they gravitate too...helping them in the best way achieve their musical goals...as a parent I try different ‘approaches’ in teaching my child different things ...I do the same with musical students Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I meet the student's needs and structure the curriculum accordingly. I have books and resources, as well as recommended YouTube videos to to prepare for lessons. I'm a proponent of Positive Feedback and have training in Responsive Classroom. Musicians are diverse learners, and it is essential to identify a student's learning style, best method of organization, and personal joy for music. Here are a few of my favorite Voice Pedagogy Books; Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Nothing is more important to me than my students' personal goals and having a discussion on how we can achieve those goals. I always want to make sure my students are moving forward in their creative process, so I like to check in with them at each lesson to discuss their progress. It's definitely important to me that my students practice on their own (especially if we're having lessons once/week.) I like to have my students record themselves (using the voice memo feature on their phone or, if possible, another recording device) so they can listen back to their lessons and practice between lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For new students, I like to get to know them, what kind of music they like, where they're currently at, and where they want to be. From here, I can point them in the right direction on how to get where they want to be. Lessons usually consist of learning repertoire the students want to learn, showing techniques and providing exercises related to the kind of music they like and their favorite players, show them whats going on within the pieces they're learning on a theoretical level, giving tips on composition, ear training, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to use piano methods that employ the multi-key and intervallic approach to teaching piano. Alfred's Piano Method nicely blends these two methods. To keep book costs down, the Alfred's All-in-One Piano Method (children's or adult's) is a good choice for beginning students. Alfred's method is also used by many universities and community colleges, so what you learn will nicely carry over to that environment. More advanced students can bring the method and materials they have been working with and we'll go from there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Every student is different, but all students need to be motivated and inspired. I try to find the right “buttons” for each individual to help them become excited about learning their instrument. I approach my teaching with enthusiasm, patience and realistic but high expectations. I want my students to feel comfortable and safe and be able to make mistakes without fear or embarrassment. Music is supposed to bring joy, not stress. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Although my collegiate educational background is not primarily in music, I have vast knowledge of music theory, and understand that each student has individual needs. My biggest method that has the most success, no matter the subject of training is "I Do, We Do, You Do". When teaching a new musical concept, it is most important for a student to have an understanding of the principle. I would explain the concept, and give an example by demonstrating the concept (I Do), however many times the student needs me to do so, and they would practice the concept with me (We Do), and once they feel comfortable trying the concept on their own, I would have them demonstrate the concept for me until mastery is achieved (You Do). Read More