Music Lessons in Richmond Heights, OH

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner saxophone and clarinet players I tend to use the first book in the series from Standard of Excellence. After those first two books I move them into the Rubank Intermediate Series of books. For saxophonist, and even some clarinetist that would like to learn some jazz I use the Lennie Niehaus Jazz Conception Series. I always try to find what the student would like to learn to play and then guide my teaching from that point. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started playing upright bass when I was 10 years old and quickly found that there was nothing that I enjoyed more than music. Throughout high school and college I played in orchestras, bands, jazz bands, rock bands and with singer songwriter friends. It was in college where I began teaching as part of a music for non-music majors elective and found that I really enjoyed showing people how to play an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Voice

All good singing is the same. Whether you are belting out Celine Dion or delicately exploring the passion and beauty of a Schubert Art Song, 99% of the technique remains the same--the fundaments of breath support, posture, vowel shape, formants, laryngeal posture, etc. As an instructor I reinforce those fundamentals very hard from the beginning because establishing a solid technical base is paramount to healthful singing in any style. Within that technical framework, I always make sure that I am finding my students' passions and working to make their own musicianship and musicality come to life as effectively and rewardingly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Music is intrinsically fun and I feel it's important for my students to have fun while they are learning. Children are intelligent and eager to learn especially when they are encouraged with positive reinforcement. I put a positive spin on everything that happens in their lesson which encourages them to interact with me and develop their musicianship. I tailor lessons to my student's needs and desires giving them challenges without overwhelming them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As far as my teaching methods go, I do not use any of the course books commonly used by many teachers and studios. I feel that this cookie cutter approach doesnt successfully work for everybody as it assumes everyone is the same. I have taught thousands of students over the decades and can say that I havent seen two students exactly alike the entire time. Instead I get to know the students and their goals and streamline a method to get them to accomplish their goals in the shortest possible time. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching voice lessons in my first year at Susquehanna University. The range of students I received throughout my four years there provided me with numerous pedagogical challenges and valuable insights into the psychology of teaching one on one with students. Some of these students included singers with a strong musical theater backgrounds, young athletes wanting to be the front men of their budding rock bands, and students with vocal injuries so severe that they could do little more than speak. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I started teaching private lessons in 1990 and continued through my college years and as I raised my two sons. I was thrilled to move to Maple Heights where I can have a room dedicated as a music studio. I started the band program at my k-8 school in 2000 and currently teach band to high school students. I have continued teaching privately because I enjoy the one on one experience with the student. Read More