Music Lessons in Rockvale, TN

Instruments: Drums

I studied music in middle school and high school through wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, show choir, and private lessons. During this time I also attended music camps at McNally Smith and Berklee College of Music. I then moved to Nashville and graduated from Belmont University's School of Music. In Nashville, I have played with many independent artists across multiple genres as well as toured with bands across the country. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Mallet Percussion

I am a pianist and mallet percussionist. I grew up playing piano and percussion and double majored in both instruments in college. I work primarily a pianist in town but will occasionally go on the road as a jazz vibraphonist with various groups. I've toured playing various genres with several bands in over four continents. I have also taught as an adjunct professor at two different universities. As a performer my greatest accomplishments have been performing with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, and Kenny Garrett. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

THEORY - how is music put together. b. SCALES - From the scales and chords come the harmony, rhythm, and melodies. Than writing songs, improvising, and appreciating the different types of musical tastes occur. c. A GOOD REPERTOIRE - than you can expand to gospel, contemporary, jazz, country, or blue grass. d. EXERCISES - just like an athlete; your fingers need the work, the flexibility, and the control. e. CREATE - what styles of music are you interested, can you write a melody as a 7 year old, can you create chords for a melody line, could you transpose? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Harp Music Keyboard

If students are beginners, I generally use the Alfred Lesson books which are made for children and adults. These include theory books which I love to teach! Knowing the music theory behind what you're playing is so important and helps the music make much more sense. As a student progresses, I like to have them choose a piece out of selected repertoire so that they may have a say in what they're learning, and so that they will enjoy it all the more. 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 Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to the early 1990's. Since that time I have consistently taught private lessons while also working in the music industry as a professional guitarist, singer/songwriter, and consultant. When teaching I employ what I describe as a practical, real-world methodology. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Read More

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

I began singing solos in church when I was 6 years old. I picked up the guitar when I was 10. At Montevallo, my primary instrument was voice and piano was my secondary instrument. I've been teaching professionally since 1981 -- 37 years as of this writing. My students have gone on to be professionals themseleves, but many of them just enriched their lives with music. As a performer, I've sung and played guitar in churches, clubs, local television and at weddings, funerals and I've perfomed in musicals alongside Broadway star Rebecca Luker in college. Read More