Music Lessons in Sibley, MO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I have been fortunate to study under some remarkable professors as well as musicians. There are three individuals in particular that I will never forget. They changed my life. Their determination, work ethic, pure genius and passion for what they do will always stick with me. They raised my bar as a musician and set the bar for my teaching. As a teacher I strive to leave the same imprint on others that they left on me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I don't believe in a one size fits all mentality for music education, I've often seen this approach derail students from enjoying the process and eventually terminating their relationship with music overall. Students are a case-by-case basis, and in that regard, each lesson is catered to the students actual goals and interests. I believe in training our ears and our sense of rhythm to a point where the student can figure things out and make artistic decisions on their own and use lessons, less as a tutorial, but as a source of inspiration to pursue the things that brought them here in the first place. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

In my studio, the most important thing when structuring lessons is to make them individualized. No two lessons look the same in my studio. If a student wants to work on composing, that will be the focus. If the student wants to work on sight-reading, we'll focus on that. Of course, it's important to be a well-rounded musician, but these lessons are for the students' benefit, not mine, so I'll make sure they leave their lessons with what they want to gain. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

For beginners, I always start with a classical approach, which stresses the importance of posture and breathing. We'll usually start with the First Book of [Voice Part]'s Solos and mix in one or two musical theater pieces. This is in tandem with learning how to warm up, learn pieces, what memorizing looks like, and how to emote. These are constantly evolving things that can be used with any skill level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a former certified school teacher my focus is on laying the right foundation for a lifetime of musical learning and enjoyment for the student. I want my students to develop skills in all aspects and styles of playing so that as their preferences progress they will be equipped for all genres and styles. However if an adult or intermediate level student wants to specialize I can accommodate them. That's why I suggest they incorporate both note reading and chord theory to their scope and sequence of study. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to 1980. I began teaching private students in a local music studio. During my college years, I was a Graduate Assistant. When I am not private teaching, I am working with students in their school district jazz band programs. All of my students are encouraged to participate in their school band programs and solo contests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

The method book I begin younger students on is Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber. There are 5 Level books to complete. We use the lesson book, as well as the technique book. I also supplement with solo repertoire and various materials. For the older beginner, I use Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Course, as well as supplemental solo repertoire. Music theory is essential in my studio, and I use various learning tools to teach theory. iPad apps, worksheets, games and manipulatives are a few examples. Read More