Music Lessons in Scottsdale, AZ

Instruments: Oboe English Horn

I am a passionate and motivated performer and teacher in the Phoenix area. I am currently the adjunct oboe instructor at Paradise Valley Community College, and perform regularly with the Symphony of the Southwest, West Valley Symphony, and Prescott Pops Symphony. I received my Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance from Eastern Illinois University and my Master’s degree in oboe performance from Northern Illinois University. I also studied in Salzburg, Austria, and will perform Carmen, Marriage of Figaro, and The Magic Flute in Vienna in 2021. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students that are in middle or high school, I typically start them out learning snare drum technique, and reading rhythms. Fortechnique I will use standard exercises and rudiments, and for readingI will use "Syncopation for The Modern Drummer".If the student has a drumset then I will start them with some basic "Rock" beatsas a tool to help thembetter understand the subdivision of time, and form some independence.Most of my students move into Gary Chester's "The New Breed" as their first drumset book.After teaching for 25 years, I have developed a lot of my own lesson meterials, and I try to cater the lesson plans to both challenge the students and keep them having fun learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons during my summers off from college, just a few students at a time.  Since beginning my teaching career, my focus has shifted slightly to group piano classes, while still teaching privately after school.  I have been a student of private instruction since the age of three, and my experiences in my private lessons have shaped the way I structure my own lessons for students.  I firmly believe that my students need to not only study solo repertoire, but also that they spend some time every week focusing on technical exercises to solidify their musical foundation. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

My teaching experience dates back to my college days where I was a private instructor and jazz ensemble coach for a youth program in Bloomington, Indiana. I have since been involved both with private instruction as well as a music director for jazz ensembles as well as pop/rock groups. I emphasize a regular practice routine with guided focus and principles that will help all levels of musicians reach their goals. 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

Instruments: Piano Recorder Music

If so, we'll go directly to that. - Demonstration of all pieces while working on any problems - Assignment and demonstration, practice and special directions for each piece. - Theory check and new assignment. Complete as needed. - As time permits, review of flashcards, ear training and so forth. - Music Lab (either before or after the lesson as fits in with the students around you) - 15-20 minutes of independent study: musical computer games to support what we are working on, read books about music, composers, music history and so forth, listen to music as supports what we are working on, complete any missed theory assignments, review of flashcards if needed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time. I encourage the student to see it , believe it and achieve all goals that can be set out to be accomplished. Practice on a daily basis is very necessary when gaining the passion for the chosen instrument. My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More