Music Lessons in Sanderson, FL

Instruments: Piano Trombone Drums Synthesizer Euphonium Keyboard

As students progress, I like to spend more time teaching music theory and how the harmonies and melodies of pieces actually work together. At this stage the music becomes more difficult and lengthy, so I like to group phrases of the piece in sections until they can be played together cohesively. I like to coincide these with more mature elements of expression that go hand in hand with technique development. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I tailor each of my lessons to the needs and desires of each individual. I am fond of using method books such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Bruce Peterson's Standard of Excellence (or, with school children in a band program, whatever their method book may be), but I also like to bring separate handouts or sheets of exercises, drills, and songs that I have created over the years. I want each lesson to be engaging and fulfilling, and for the student to feel as though they can achieve the tasks set before them for each suceeding lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more important for me than seeing a student succeed! I am a firm believer in giving a student plenty of praise and encouragement for all their hard work. I think it is important to give credit where credit is due, and I definitely will not hold back any positive feedback when they have accomplished something new. I am sure there will be mistakes, but I do not think we should dwell on them. Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

We will focus on linear drumming in all styles to create the kind of interdepence needed for more advanced genre as well as creative improvising. We will discuss the similarities and differences between the different genre and refer to musical examples so the student learns to play idiomatically. Advanced students will "relearn" the basics in a way that will prepare them for Expert Level Drumming. More advanced students will delve into the world of odd time signatures, odd groupings, time signature changes, beat displacements, rhythmic illusions, metric modulations. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Most of my students are playing the flute or piano for an extracurricular/hobby activity. Therefore, I do not want any student to view lessons as work. Above all else, lessons should be fun! I want to challenge my students but never overwhelm them. I work with students at their own pace and try to make the environment as fun and as laid-back as I can. I love playing alongside my students so they are not always playing alone because sometimes playing by yourself in front of a teacher can be stressful. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

For all students it is essential that they grasp the fundamentals, doing this well be invaluable in the future and so ensuring correct technique, solid time and feel are important to me. With all students I want them to have fun whilst learning so finding out what music interests them is important as lessons can be centred around what they like. No matter the age or ability the emphasis on learning whilst enjoying is key. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For students that are just starting, I love using Bastien Piano Basic books and Alfred's Basic Piano library! These both have great selections and have all different levels to meet the student's needs. After the student moves out of these basic piano books, we can start working on learning songs and developing some solo pieces for their repertoire. For adults that are learning piano, I leave a lot up to the student because most of the time they already have something in mind that they would like to learn or work their way up to learning a particular piece. Read More