Music Lessons in Valley City, OH

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I use the Alfred Piano series for most of my piano students. Woodwind students will use either Rubank or Hal Leonard series of books. During the first lesson, I will clarify the student's goals and needs and choose a book accordingly. I also add finger warm-ups and breathing exercises. Students are encouraged to pick a song from their own choosing to learn as a "fun-song". I try to cover these three things in every lesson, however I am flexible to meet the goals of my students. My professional motto is that I will do "Whatever it takes" for my students to succeed. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I grew up in the chicagoland area where my music career started young. I tried many instruments but eventually landed on guitar early in high school which has been my passion ever since. After High School I continued guitar and studied at Elmhurst College near Chicago, while there I performed with many ensembles in a large variety of genres and styles. I have toured internationally and around the country. The last few years I have been performing with Brass From the Past, a 13 piece ensemble performing rock, soul and motown classics from all eras. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I have not been teaching lessons for long in my career, but since I grew up in Northeast Ohio and went to school at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, I know the region well. I participated in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony and the Akron Youth Symphony, so I am familiar with opportunities that are in the area and know how to prepare students for these types of elite ensembles. I have performed in multiple professional ensembles and as a result specialize in orchestral and wind band studies and the technique someone would need to participate in them. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

All good singing is the same. Whether you are belting out Celine Dion or delicately exploring the passion and beauty of a Schubert Art Song, 99% of the technique remains the same--the fundaments of breath support, posture, vowel shape, formants, laryngeal posture, etc. As an instructor I reinforce those fundamentals very hard from the beginning because establishing a solid technical base is paramount to healthful singing in any style. Within that technical framework, I always make sure that I am finding my students' passions and working to make their own musicianship and musicality come to life as effectively and rewardingly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I typically start with Piano Adventures.  Advanced beginners usually have other excellent methods such as Bastien, Schuam, or Alfred, and I use any method which is acceptable.  Adults, or more advanced students, usually have a particular interest in a certain style of music or keyboard skill which I help cultivate.  Though nothing matches the sound, subtlety and feel of an acoustic - the essence of the art of the classical tradition - I encourage students to use MIDI-aided learning tools to develop their sight-reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I  have taught students individually and in sectionals and drumlines, allowing me to gain experience in the instruction of both classical and popular music styles. This has allowed me to hone my skills in integrating styles, as well as tailoring my instruction to the student's particular interests and needs.ter graduation, My greatest pleasure as an instructor is watching a student use the skills I have taught to develop his or her own unique "voice" and means of expression on the instrument, whether it be drumset, concert percussion, or piano. Read More