Music Lessons in Valley, NE

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Drum set and marching percussion have been my passion since 2008. Through these instruments I've had the opportunity to meet hundreds of musicians from all over the US as well as travel much of the country. Performing everywhere from State Fair bandstands, to stadiums, to coffee shops, I've found there's always something new to see and someone new to meet. The opportunity to work with artists as varied as the musicians from Sioux City Symphony, to the great jazz guitarist Mike Stern has been incredible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essentials Element Piano Theory. I like to separate practical and theory in different sessions so that they are familiar and comfortable with reading the notes while playing. I would also start with some fun and interesting melodies to get the kids engaged. When it comes to learning theories, I would use fun and creative symbols that associates symbols in music to get the student to remember them better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Keyboard

Blake has performed as part of the Grammy Jazz Band, Jazz Band of America, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Iowa All-state Jazz Band, Iowa All-state Band, Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, The Symphony of Northern Arkansas and the Brubeck Jazz Colony. Blake recently graduated with his masters in trombone performance from the University of Arkansas where he served as a teaching assistant to the trombone studio. While in Arkansas, Blake held the position of 2nd trombone in the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students I really get to know where the student is at in their learning experience. I try to individualize the learning experience as much as possible, learning about the student's background his or her interests in music. Also, I would track the student's progress carefully taking notes about lessons to better guide them in their musical journey. Above all striving to foster a great curiosity to learn! Learning music is so rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginning trumpet students, I start with a combination of Clark and Arbank Technical studies for a formal structure. A majority of the technical teaching I do is based on these two methods. I also implement techniques from the Sheridan and Pilafian Breathing Gym to establish the fundamental mechanics of generating sound. For all students, regardless of ability, lessons will have some foundation in the breath and the mechanics of breathing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taken private guitar and piano lessons since 2003 and have implemented a lot of the styles I was exposed to in the teaching that I have done since 2017. I typically travel to my students' homes, but I have space to teach in my apartment studio as well. Music is one of the greatest gifts we are able to hold in this life and I want to make sure that each one of my students gets to experience it in the deep and meaningful ways that I have. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As I stated in the previous section, music has been a large part of my life since I can first remember. With almost 30 years of combined musical experience on three instruments (Piano, Guitar, Trombone), I've been exposed to countless types and styles of music. Furthermore, being selected to 8 All-State Ensembles has put me around some of the best minds the Midwest has to offer in music. In the past few years I began my self-owned, self-operated business specializing in piano performance for client events as well as piano instruction. Read More