Music Lessons in Tolleson, AZ

Instruments: Piano Recorder Music

I also regularly read and attend lectures, conferences, seminars and master classes to always improve my teaching skills. I have been teaching piano and music theory since 1983 and have played professionally. I am a of Music Teachers (CAPMT), Empire Music Teachers Association (EMTA), the Music Educators National member in good standing with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was with the California Association Conference (MENC), the Suzuki Association of North America, the National & the Inland Empire Kodaly-Orff Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer

The first lesson I will assess the students playing to get to know them and their goals so we can get started right away. For beginners we'll be focusing heavily on Syncopation and Stick Control, two excellent books. When the student has a grasp on the basics we will work on dynamic control, limb independence, sense of time and ear training. Intermediate lessons include advanced poly-rhythms, trading fours together in different time signatures, fine tuning the drums and advanced sight reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

For piano beginners I use the Faber book series. I prefer these books because it gives a mixture of theory and technique that I think is essential to learn at an early stage. For violin beginners I prefer to use the Suzuki Method books. These books are great because they get the student playing quickly, while still introducing the foundations of basic theory for reading music. Beginning guitar is a little more flexible depending on the students goals and the style they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to have a balance in my lessons between fun and challenge.  I do this by setting realistic goals each week for my students, dependent on their level of perfomance and the pace that they are progressing.  Not everyone will progress at the same pace, and I feel that it is more important for a student to master a particular lesson than to move quickly through the lesson book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

My first lesson is a casual meeting with the student (child/parent, or adult). I want to both meet and start to develop a good relationship and understanding with all involved. With younger students I talk with the parent and show them what we are working on and the logic behind it. Of course, this strategy applies to adults as well. I watch the student's progress very carefully and acknowledge accomplishments because this creates enthusiasm and further development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students who are children,I combined the Essential Elements for strings along with the Suzuki Method. I will also introduced the solo repertoire appropriate for scholarships and symphony membership. I also provide materials that will enable individuals, and homogeneous/heterogeneous string groups to build the secure technique so vital to string players who want to express themselves musically. In short, this systematic approach developed by me will improve and be utilized equally well amongst the chosen student of achievement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I feel I explained a good amount of my teaching style in the last column. I really like to go with what the student will benefit from the most, not necessarily what is the cookie cutter "next step" I learned to play by trying things a couple levels above me and I loved it. I know not all students are the same, and sometimes the parents input is a big factor depending on if they are musicians themselves! Read More