Music Lessons in Valparaiso, NE

Instruments: Piano Trombone Keyboard

Award-winning trombonist, Blake M., originates from Eastern Iowa. A performer of both jazz and classical, Blake has performed in many national and international festivals and contests including The Grammys, The Music For All Festival, The Sienna Jazz Festival, The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Jazz Educators Network Conference, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Blake received the top soloist award 3 years in a row at the Iowa Jazz Championships and was a member of the University of Iowas Johnson County Landmark Band during his last two years of high school. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I’ve been playing drums for about 35 years. I’ve toured the entire US including some European countries. I’ve been on record labels, played many live shows of all types. I’ve also c-written songs, produced, engineered, and performed on quite a few successful albums. I started drumming in the 5th grade and continued through high school. I then starting focusing on performance and song writing. I joined some original bands and began building those songs and albums to make those bands successful. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For a good basis of knowledge in drumming I typically like to employ several method books. David Stanoch's Mastering the Tables of Time, George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, Steve Houghton's Essential Styles books 1 2, and Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm. Need of materials will depend on each student's current level of understanding, each student's personal goals, curriculum used within their school, audition requirements for colleges, state solo ensemble repertoire lists, etc. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I do my best to meet a student where they are, find out their interests and what practice routine their schedules allow for, and then go from there to create a custom plan for them. Regardless of their level and goals, however, students are always reminded that scales and practice are some of the best tools for success. A strong emphasis is placed on honing listening skills, as well, as this benefits students in both their ensemble and solo playing. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always want my students to have a very positive experience taking lessons and never to feel as if there is too much pressure put on them. Every student is different so I don't have a specific teaching formula. I always ensure that the student is moving at a comfortable pace for them while still being challenged and learning new things. I am always quick to acknowledge every small bit of progress that they make and focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Jaimes vocal instruction has an emphasis on the creative and critical pedagogical methods as she works to create spaces that nurture student agency, reflection, and critical thinking. She aims to create a space of welcome and safety while empowering student voices and student leadership. In one on one instruction, she teaches her students not only how to set goals and achieve them, but uncover the skills they need to develop in their musical pursuits, individually. Read More