Music Lessons in Westlake, OH

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I use the Alfred Piano series for most of my piano students. Woodwind students will use either Rubank or Hal Leonard series of books. During the first lesson, I will clarify the student's goals and needs and choose a book accordingly. I also add finger warm-ups and breathing exercises. Students are encouraged to pick a song from their own choosing to learn as a "fun-song". I try to cover these three things in every lesson, however I am flexible to meet the goals of my students. My professional motto is that I will do "Whatever it takes" for my students to succeed. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I love seeing my students' pride as they are successful in music. With the student, I work to establish short- and long-term goals and I try to provide incentive for meeting these goals. I have a prize box from which the student can pick something (Small candies, pencils, pens, stickers, bubbles, etc.) when they achieve a short-term goal (i.e. learn 5 songs in February, or something similar). When a student achieves a long-term goal (a specific festival rating, completing a level in their method, etc) I have gift cards that they choose from. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days and has continued through the past twelve years. I love seeking to discover the unique learning pathway for every individual student and tailoring lessons specificially to grow and enhance foundations that other teachers have already built. I have a number of students who compose their own original material and encourage others in that capacity as well.  Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Although I am not a certified Suzuki teacher, I do utilize the Suzuki books for beginning students. I find that they provide a good breadth of repertoire suitable for students who are new to their instruments. For more advanced students, I use standard repertoire for their instrument, making sure each piece teaches them to hone a skill while also preparing them for big auditions. I believe it is important to have a long and diverse repertoire list. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I began teaching while I attended Baldwin-Wallace College and have enjoyed it since. It is a very unique experience to see someone you've taught excell and succeed on stage. This is what has always kept me teaching. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My interest in a variety of musical styles has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of great musicians from different backgrounds. It has also opened my eyes to a variety of ways of thinking about music. I received a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from Bowling Green State University in 2012. I've performed recently with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra as a section percussionist, and I frequently play drum set with a band that plays for corporate events, private parties, and concert series. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Teaching beginning Clarinet is one of my specialties. Generally speaking, I use the Belwind Band builder and Standard of Excellence method books to teach fundamentals of the Clarinet. I also mix my own teaching style, especially forming an embouchure (how one's lips and teach rest on the mouth piece). I believe it is very important to teach embouchure, breathing and posture to ensure great habits once the beginning student progresses. Read More