Music Lessons in West Newton, IN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at age 8. In my formative years I studied with various instructors around central Indianapolis until mid year of '85. Upon this time I studied a full year with James Lee Thorpe whom eventually played, toured recorded with Sweet F.A. They released albums with MCA Chrysalis Records. I began composing my own riffs, melodies and solo work at age 15 also. I studied Music Theory my Junior year at Ben Davis High School. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I provide all music work sheets that we learn from that involve chords, scales, tabliture, notes...etc. Music is based upon the students current skill set, and what their interests are pertaining to music. The overall goal is to further develop musical talent at an appropriate pace in a comfortable teaching environment, that allows the student ask questions, try new things, and explore their insturment in ways they may not have imagined before. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

With younger beginning saxophone students I start them with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements book 1. This Provides a great foundation for students to start on and benefits in the long run. For mid range skill level students we start with (depending upon skill) the Rubank beginning or intermediate method book. This provides a lot of melodic material for them to grow as a musician. Lastly, for the advanced we would start with Ferling Etudes which really challenge the student at a higher level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Similar to what is written above I prefer an approach that is rooted in the fundamentals. It is my belief that learning these well can serve a student later on when the music starts to become more difficult. Most students I have that have learned in this way tend to not get overwhelmed and are able to transition to higher levels of playing more easily. One of my favorite quotes is "The advanced level is mastery of the basics" which I have found to be true. Read More

Instruments: Piano

-Practicing is important, but the most essential way to improve is to USING THE CORRECT METHOD TO PRACTICE. -A wrong way to practice the piano might lead a dead end no matter how long you spend on the piano, but a good method will cost you less than half the energy to yield the best result in piano playing. -I use the simplest and correct methods to help you play the piano, which was discovered and summarized by my piano knowledge and experience combined with my professors' guideline which was from the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory and the Jacobs School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My goal is for my students to love music and enjoy the process of learning and growing and reaching their personal goals as a musician. Whether that's just playing for fun or preparing them for a recital or coffee shop gig or professional studio recording experience or preparing their part for the musical group that they participate in; I have helped my students with all these things. I strive to have a positive teaching style by focusing on their strengths and helping them achieve their personal goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

I emphasize the importance of proper posture, technique, the ability to read music, and knowledge of the fretboard. Accordingly, I always assign students exercises meant to develop and strengthen a variety of aspects of both left-hand and right-hand technique. The pace at which we move through the exercises is dependent on the student's own level of motivation and how much practice they do. I encourage students to practice daily for at least 30 minutes, but recommend more if they wish to see more dramatic results. Read More