Music Lessons in Smithville, TX

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have almost 30 years of experience as a recording and performing musician. I studied in Detroit, London and Los Angeles, and recieved my BA in music and Performing Arts in 20011. Since then I have made a living writing pop songs and movie soundtracks, performing and teaching. I consistently write 5 songs a week, and then select and develop the best material into a finished product. I continue to study all aspects of music from theory to technique to composition and performance. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I feel that there are a few basic concepts that all teachers must understand, one of which is, all students are different. Teachers may use similar tools, as means to teach a lesson, but how those tools are used will vary from mentor to mentor, and student to student. I believe knowledge of fundamentals is a crucial part of understanding one's instrument and being able to wield it effectively, no matter the skill level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

From an early age I made the decision to dedicate myself to the arts. Teaching music has been a reward for me. A teacher is considered a role model. By being a role model, I hope to inspire my students to want to learn more. I want to provide my students with knowledge to reach their full potential. I want to show them the tools they need to succeed. I hope years after they have left my lessons they remember how curious and engaged they felt. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar

Music has always been extraordinarily important in my life, and I love seeing when other people share that love of music. I've been playing guitar for 18+ years, and during that time I've played with many different groups in styles including rock, blues, jazz-fusion, jazz, avant-garde, and more. I've had the opportunity to study guitar with masters of the guitar including Dave Manley (played with Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, The Roots, and others), Mike Stern (played with Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, and many others), Tim Miller (Randy Brecker, Mick Goodrick, George Garzone), Norm Zocher (Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Moses, Esperanza Spalding) and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele

I am now considering starting back, with some precautions to keep all of us safe. .I have recently been a Music Director at an Episcopal Church, where I played organ and piano, and occasionally guitar, for services every week for over two years. I have organized recitals for my students at my home but also at a senior-citizen organization, where they have a fairly large and enthusiastic audience to play for. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

For older students, especially high schoolers, I like to use a blue book called Foundations for Superior Performance (Warm-Ups and Technique for Band) by Richard Williams and Jeff King as the techniques in that book are more suited for what a high school-level player should be expected to play. As for adults, I recommend Brass Gym as well as books from made by university professors and other professional instrumentalists. Moving beyond warm-ups and technique mastery, I like to find different solos that appropriately challenge and help hone on a skill that my student is focusing on working on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching children since 2000 on a formal basis, first as an orchestra director for elementary and middle school students. Since 2006 I have been teachin at the elementary school and giving private lesson in violin and viola. My emphasis is teaching the basic techniques first by rote and introducing music reading at the correct development stage of the student. Read More