Music Lessons in Westerwood, NC

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger students who are a member of a school band or choir, I will spend a good portion of the time working out of whichever method book and other materials they use for class, in order to make the content in congruence with their other instruction. However, method books and beginner level ensemble repertoire only go so far because they are written to appeal to every instrument, not just one. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginners, I like to incorporate a basic understanding of pitch, rhythm, and theory to develop their skills as a musician. I use a variety of exercises to develop range, intonation, diction, and breath control. The warm up part of the lesson is so important because it is where I can identify strengths and expose weaknesses that can be improved. Once these have been assessed I like to select repertoire that allows the student to use their growing musicianship and skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Synthesizer Electric Violin Fiddle

I've had the pleasure of helping and mentoring countless colleagues and fellow students through my career. I've learned through the years that there is no one single curriculum to rule them all. I tend to see them like The Pirate's Code...just a guideline. Musicians bring more than just their ability into the classroom; they also bring their personality! Likes, dislikes, family, favorite foods, favorite video games...they all contribute to the musician that they are, or aspire to be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

My teaching experience has been for as long as I've been playing. Before studying any particular type of pedagogical approach, I've always had the gift and desire to share what I know with others. Formalized study has simply given me specific nomenclature for things. Having said that, my pedagogical approach is simple...discern how the student learns and give them the information clearly in that fashion. There are some people who are very literal and need specific details, whereas there are some who work well with general instruction and prefer to feel things out viscerally. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

From beginner to advanced, I offer the same level of quality and musical diversity for everyone, while making the necessary accomodations for each individual student. From the very beginning of our lessons, I constantly immerse the student in a myriad of musical styles as it relates to percussion and rhythm in general. Just as a physical trainer uses the method of muscle confusion in the client's workout, I try to "shock" the brain by introducing a number of different styles and techniques. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I began teaching students in earnest during my senior year of undergraduate school in 1984-85. Prior to graduate school I was an adjunct trumpet teacher at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Part of my graduate assistantship was as an instructor and since graduation I have helped a number of students from beginner to intermediate level achieve their goals in both classical and non classical settings. I have played professionally in a number of different touring groups as well as played in backup bands for national and international artists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

My teaching experience goes back to while Im in my college years, I began teaching private in my own home studio and go around teaching at students home for two years. I love to share what I receive, and to learn from the experience as Im teaching to my students as well. So far in my teaching experience, I focus on building trust and consistency. I always encourage my students to practice consistently, and have fun making music because making music should be enjoyable, not stress. Read More