Music Lessons in Valley Park, MO

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at the age of ten. Inspired by numerous classic rock musicians, I began to develop an immense passion for the guitar. However, I was only able to play guitar by ear early on in my development. So although I had a basic technique, I had no real understanding of how to create music or what is often considered the language of music. Finally at the age of 16, I took lessons from a local teacher who introduced me to scales and theory. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar

I started conducting private lessons while in college. I taught multiple high school age students with varying degrees of experience, making an interesting case of approach in my own teaching style. I have been able to incorporate what I have learned in my own lessons as a student into my lessons as an instructor. In turn, teaching in a smaller setting has helped with clearing some struggles in my own playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

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

Instruments: Voice

Also known under my stage name Lady Mak, I am currently the lead female vocalist for Missouri based band, Spontaneous Serendipity.  I've made it to the producer rounds for popular TV shows Duets, American Idol, The Voice, and Americas Got Talent.  I was also invited by the Kansas City Chiefs organization to perform at half time for the Breast Cancer Awareness game on October 13, 2013 for a sold out Arrowhead Stadium. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I am very, very laid back as a teacher and as a person. I know that everyone learns at their own pace, and not everyone can give themselves an hour a day to practice. It's really about finding out every student's individual needs and style. I am not strict whatsoever, but I do expect my students to make progress every week. Again, I am not a classical pianist whatsoever, so I'm not the type of teacher to stand over you and hit your hand with a ruler every time you hit a "wrong" note. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching in the St. Louis area since 2001, when I took my first Piano Pedagogy course at Webster University.  I also taught for 2 years in the Los Angeles area.  I have taught children as young as 5 years old and my oldest student was 88.  I encourage regular practice but always attempt to inspire motivation rather than enforce it.  I bring standard piano repertoire and classical literature to the table so that students can discover their preferences and have a clear sense of Music History. Read More

Instruments: Piano

From upper elementary on, musicology is added. For a student that plans to keep learning, musicology is the history and the composer's impetus for composing the way he does. Why did Chopin compose so differently from Schumann, and what does the student need to learn to play each composer as he intended? It's very interesting, and separates my students from others that are playing just notes. They may be playing with feeling, but whose feeling? Read More