Music Lessons in Westgate, OH

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Music

My teaching and free lancing experience dates back to 1999 while attending Manhattan School of Music in New York. In New York, I enjoyed teaching privately and through community outreach programs. I currently teach in south east Michigan where I received my Master's in Clarinet Performance. My focus through my education was on band and orchestral clarinet playing. I have had the opportunity to study the clarinet with some of the countries finest teachers and players. Read More

Instruments: Violin Music

Beginning violin is important. I use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements to help teach the functionality and basic building blocks of playing the violin. Moving forward, the best introduction into violin music itself is the Suzuki Violin School volume set. Each book helps students through various levels during their beginner phase. These pieces not only serve as educational material but also as solo repertoire for beginners in recitals. As students learn these methods, I start to tailor lessons suitable for them, allowing them to choose what they desire to play, or something that they would be eager or excited to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music Keyboard

I am an accomplished music educator and composer skilled in and enthusiastic about teaching music students of all ages. I have a Bachelor's degree in cello performance from Utah State University, where I studied with Anne Francis Bayless of the world-renowned Fry Street Quartet. I also have a Master's degree in composition from Arizona State University, and am currently working toward my Doctorate in composition at the University of Michigan. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Keeping my students positive and inspired is my goal when teaching, and nothing is more inspiring than hitting landmarks and seeing your own progress! I encourage my students to learn at their own pace, and remind them that learning a skill is not a one size fits all scenario. I encourage my students to be as experimental, open minded and curious as possible. Setting realistic goals is always how I end every lesson, as you should always have a goal you're working to achieve. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have three main books I use; these are my drum 'bibles'. Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin. I like to teach fundamentals first, providing a strong basis with which to expand your repetoire. Then I like to emphasize song work. The best part of drumming in my opinion is playing with other instruments, and in addition to playing with recorded music, I encourage my students to find other musicians to practice and even perform with. Read More