Music Lessons in Scottsdale, AZ

Instruments: Voice

I encourage lots of questions from my students. I will also ask them to tell me what they felt in there voice when I ask them to do something. I believe that the voice teacher is only as good as his student can understand what they are actually being asked to do. I set goals for my students, and ask that they practice every day for at least 30 minutes on various things that I may ask them to work on such as scales or a new song ect. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my days working in Los Angeles working as staff composer songwriter, as I began to teach private piano and voice lessons part time 15 years ago I've found that a combination of blues and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy and progress their studies in piano, voice and guitar. The most important lesson is to have FUN! I encourage my students to work on their own compositions that promotes creativity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

My first lesson is a casual meeting with the student (child/parent, or adult). I want to both meet and start to develop a good relationship and understanding with all involved. With younger students I talk with the parent and show them what we are working on and the logic behind it. Of course, this strategy applies to adults as well. I watch the student's progress very carefully and acknowledge accomplishments because this creates enthusiasm and further development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who has the abilities to "awaken" the musical gifts of students with the desire to achieve a goal of musicianship. I graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters of Music from Jackson State University. I have had the opportunity to play with such symphonies such as the Shreveport Symphony, New Orleans Community Orchestra, Midland/Odessa Symphony, the EAC Symphony and I am now a member of the North Valley Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

For all students, I teach them exercises to strenghten their fundamentals and skills in the given instrument, and each lesson we practice the exercises to focus on improving their sound production, pitch finding, placement, and more.  We also learn songs that both the student and I choose and prepare for performance (when necessary).  Here are the books I work from for each instrument, but please note that I don't necessarily use these for every student, only when appropriate: GUITAR:  Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (books 1 through 3) VOICE:  Master Vocal Exercises by Horatio Connell, and Sightsinging (Hal Leonard) BASS GUITAR:  Bass Method, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) TRUMPET:  Essential Elements 2000, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Anybody can learn a few chords but its about how you play those chords and riffs. I'm a firm believer that as guitarists we are to internalize the music. If a guitarist doesn't feel what he's doing then why would the crowd? I'm also a positive reinforcement type of person in general. Regardless of what it is, people need to be encouraged. Playing guitar, even for somebody who is completely in love with playing, can be extremely frusterating at times. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a unique teacher who realizes that not every student is the same, or wants to learn the same type of music in the same way. I almost consider myself more of a COACH than a teacher. Yes, I do teach, and I am classically trained. However, I am more suited for the beginning/intermediate/late intermediate student (13 years of age or older) who wants to learn NEW ways of playing and performing a variety of music. Read More