Music Lessons in Tempe, AZ

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I am a compassionate, fun and dedicated educator who loves teaching all ages! As a child, living on the island of Jamaica, in the West Indies, I trained extensively with the Royal Schools of Music and The Trinity College of Music within the British system for four years. When moving back to the U.S. I started playing professionally for musical theatre productions at the age of 14. At 16, I began teaching piano lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For piano students, I like to use the Alfred courses.  This method is great because they have courses of study for all ages and levels, and students can progress through several courses throughout their study.  For flute/clarinet students, I like to start with either Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or the Rubank methods books.  Once students have moved beyond the basics, I like to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for their level. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I encourage regular practicing, setting goals, and holding students accountable for preparing materials for their lessons and/or for band at school or any other ensembles they may be involved in. I encourage my students to play beyond their lessons, such as school or outside ensembles. If I get enough students, I would love to put together a flute choir as well, as playing with other musicians helps to develop the ear for sake of tone flexibility, balance, and as well as intonation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

B.A in Music from George Mason University Masters of Music Education from Portland State University Over 15 years of private lesson experience with instrumentation ranging from electric guitar to flute. 3 years of experience as a middle school and high school band director. Currently the high school band director at Westview High School Extensive experience with audio engineering and recording production. Played in numerous groups ranging from jazz to pop to blues. 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

My approach to teaching is fun and nurturing,making sure students have a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of music,while encouraging individual student's own creativity and aural skills.I always inspire students to enjoy music and their musical instrument whilst developing their discipline to build self-esteem and help them grow socially and academically. During my lessons students work on their sight reading,technique,ear training and,of course I come up with fun musical games for younger beginners. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

I really began teaching when I became section leader in my high school marching band. I was in charge of teaching new music to my section. From that experience I leaned so much. After that I continued my education at Mesa Community College, where I studied music performance. While attending I studied privately and played in small combos. After I left MCC I went on tour with my rock band that eventually landed me in Los Angeles. Read More