Music Lessons in Timberlake, NC

Instruments: Saxophone

I like to customize my lesson plans based on the student's needs. It also depends on the style of music that is being learned. I typically like to start with the Rubank method books. These books follow a progressive sequence of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. However, this is not necessary; the concept of these books is to get a grasp of the fundamentals. I also provide many fundamental exercises I have created and used in my daily practice. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I enjoy teaching students of all ages. My teaching method and strategy is Applied Teaching, with a standard system of scales, etudes, and pieces from the cello literature. I am not a Suzuki instructor, but am always happy to refer a student to a Suzuki teacher. However, it is certainly possible to teach any student in either Suzuki or Applied Teaching, or both. Both are proven and effective teaching systems and techniques and are ideally highly complimentary. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Accordion Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. The first lesson i assess the student's ability - whether they can play, read music, and what kind of music they like. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Music

While at Eastern I studied with Christopher Howard, a member of the United States Coast Guard Band. I have also spent summers at Brevard Music Center and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, studying with Steve Cohen, David Blumberg, and Ricardo Morales, as well as working as the production intern for the Hartford Symphony Orchestras Talcott Mountain Music Festival. In my time at Eastern, I won the New England Intercollegiate Band Festival Solo Competition, as well as receiving multiple awards from the music department, including the 2019 Undergraduate Creative Activity Fellowship, and the 2020 Outstanding Honors Thesis Award for my project, Leonard Bernstein and the Twentieth Century Crisis of Faith. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I begin with basic open chords and scales. Once the student has basic chords down I like to teach them a song of there choosing. I found this to be one of the most rewarding experiences when I began taking lessons. For adults, I like to hear any ideas they may have and give my input and direction. I work hard to keep lessons engaging for adults, I like to think every student can learn something new every lesson! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Music Keyboard

I love when I get to see my students fall in love with music and have great passion for it. I take an individualized approach to each student, and I also set realistic goals so they can meet them. I want to make sure students improve, while not getting frustrated or bored. I think it is also important to make sure the student is always having fun, because creating music has to be a choice for a student to succeed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning drum students, I typically like to start with the Percussive Arts Society sheet of rudiments to ensure a solid technical background as the student progresses. After that, we move on to simple reading and other drumming fundamental concepts including limb coordination, fills, phrasing and articulation, etc. With older students, I find it helpful to try and begin with what they are interested and comfortable in playing. This allows me to find connections and build lesson plans specifically for the individual. Read More