Music Lessons in Smithville, MO

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience goes back 12 years ago when I began teaching private lessons from my own private home studio. During my high school days, I also served as a student teacher for local summer band camps as a percussion and drum set instructor. One of the most important things I strive for is to have my students keep a consistent practice schedule and have fun playing the drums so that they can maintain interest in learning more music styles and be prepared for various musical occasions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners I use a method book for learning how to read music and learn music theory.  Once the basics are attained I introduce scales and etudes to build on the technical aspects of playing the instrument.  Solo books are also added to the repertoire for the student so that they can use everything they have learned thus far and express that in a piece of music. Younger children will not do as much music reading in the beginning of lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Effective teaching needs to be a give and take between the student and the teacher. I am knowledgeable and experienced in performing jazz, classical, and various pop genres of music, and yet, students bring a fresh perspective to a piano lesson. I like to challenge and excite students in developmentally appropriate ways by giving them a mix of music that they choose and music that I think is necessary for their growth as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching a couple years ago and have enjoyed seeing students develop a love for music and piano. If you love something, you work at it, so I highly encourage having a regular practice schedule outside of the lesson as this is a key point to developing the students skill and passion for music. Integrating different styles can help motivate the students to practice and learn, as well as making it fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have studied many teaching methods, including Orff, Suzuki, the Russian music school. Essential to the Russian music school of piano method are touch, tone and expressiveness. When playing piano, posture, hand position and other fundamentals are very important. I use elements of all of these methods, tailored to the needs and abilities of my individual students. In vocal lessons, my method is based on breath control and learning to sing a musical piece the way the composer intended, emotionally and expressively. Read More

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

Hey there, I'm Sky! I play a lot of instruments, compose scores for TV and games, make beats, produce other people's stuff - if music is involved, I tend to be involved. I've studied with a number of phenomenal teachers in the classical, jazz, and eclectic performance and producing world and my students regularly excel in competitions, ensembles, auditions, and creating/producing their own music! Somewhere along the line, it became obvious that my life is only complete when Im making music. Read More