Music Lessons in West Newton, IN

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I individualize my teaching methods for each student based on their ability level. After I assess the ability level, I find level-appropriate method books, scale studies, etudes, tone exercises, sight reading, and solo repertoire. I use method books that I am personally familiar with and like, but am open to looking for new, exciting options. I make sure that the students feels comfortable with materials, but is also challanged so that they may progress in their skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Over the past thirteen years, I have taught nearly 400 students - beginning as a junior in high school with four pianists. My teaching experiences have ranged from group lessons with fourth-grade, beginner clarinetists and saxophonists, to starting brand new five-year old pianists, to preparing high schoolers for competitive auditions and performances, to substitute lessons with adults. I actively seek to have my students play for people whenever they can (i.e. church, family gatherings), and I seek out and arrange more formal and organized events such as recitals or visiting the elderly and performing at retirement villages and nursing homes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I believe in teaching music that the student wants to learn, whether that's the latest pop song or basic music theory which can be applied to any style. For my piano students, I prefer Alfred's piano curriculum. For my guitar students, I use Hal Leanord books. For my voice students, we work on whatever songs they want to learn or have assigned to them for a performance. For flute, I like Rubank method, but am open to other preferred methods as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I generally stick with the Faber Method books, as I enjoy their unity of music theory and practical application more than other method series. It is my goal to remove students from methods as soon as possible- somewhere around early intermediate skill level, so that we may engage with more meaningful repertoire from the 'greats', as well as give the students the tools to take agency over their own repertoire choices, including transcriptions of popular media. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

Piano - there are as many method books as there are different kinds of pianos! I use, but am not limited to, the following: Faber, Noona, Wunderkeys, Pianotown, Alfred, Helen Mier, Snell, and more. I like to start any student that comes to me with what they already have. For a young student - I will start with Faber as it is the easiest to understand for younger players. Other than that - I gear the lessons to each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Because most of my students are beginners, I typically start with very simple tunes intended to get their hands comfortable with the instrument, and to help them start reading music. After those are mastered, we move on to more complex pieces with greater technical demands. I am always willing to help students learn songs that they are interested in playing. This may not be possible immediately in all cases, depending on the student's skill level. Read More