Music Lessons in Risingsun, OH

Instruments: Violin Viola

I try to introduce my students to different styles and genres of music. Their repertoire ranges from dances and songs to variations, concertos and sonatas. In order to be able to play such an array of genres, one requires what I like to call a "laboratory of skills". Scales, exercises and studies,played at the beginning of every lesson,are a way to develop the said "laboratory".While working with little kids I try to combine traditional and Suzuki methods.In order to insure that my lessons are both educational and entertaining I make my little students move,dance,clap and sing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

There are quite a few method books that I like to use with my students. To start, I like to have students use the Beginner Rubank Method Book (the blue book) and work through this to get the basics down. After this, I like to choose some supplemental solo pieces that aren't in this book to help the students grasp the concepts that they have been working on, outside of what is shown in the book. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My biggest goal in teaching is to help students learn how to enjoy music and approach music from a different perspective. Once a semester when teaching private students, I like to have them pick out their favorite pop song and I'll arrange it for them to play with me in a duet. Often times, when studying to perfect everything it is good to remember why music is fun! But aside from that one example, I like teach students to play their instrument--not let it play them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Depending on the instrument I am instructing on I will take each student on their own path. I typically spend some time getting to know the student, understand their desires and passions for music, and their own personal style. When I understand that I can gauge where the lessons should go. The first few lessons typically cover the basics of the instrument and a "get to know you" setting. Of course I always try to give the student some form of "homework" or things to practice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Watching my students develop and grow as musicians is one of the greatest joys I have in life.  I use positive encouragments while also challenging students to continually improve.  Music making is not a race, so I allow students to develop naturally and at their own pace.  I try to inspire, encourage, and motivate through leading by example. My favorite aspect of my first teacher was when he would play his instrument along with me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I am able to teach any genre at any level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I choose music that will help students in many different areas. Students need some music that will help them work on fundamentals: long tones, slurs, articulations, and scales. Students also need to play music they enjoy. All of my students, in addition to the fundamentals of good playing, bring in music that is enjoyable to play and that they like. It is a good balance when practicing. Read More