Music Lessons in White Oak New Town, NC

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students, I start with the basics and like to teach from the Hal Leonard fundamentals books, but it also depends on the type of student. Some are more visual learners whereas others might be more auditory inclined. I modify my teaching style to accommodate the student. Understandably, theory can get mundane, but I try to make learning fun and applicable so a lot of what I teach directly involves playing on the keys instead of writing things in books. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

I start with the end in mind. Once your student has established clear, realistic goals with me, all the focus is on reaching those goals. It is also made clear that it is the student's responsibility to come into each lesson showing clear evidence that they've practiced the music. I'm stern about this. If the student hasn't put in the time, I will send the student home mid-lesson and they lose that lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For students of all ages and skill sets I first like to establish a personalized daily routine of fundamental exercises such as long tones, lip slurs, tone production and articulation if not already had. I use the Bill Adam approach to teaching my establishing a strong core understanding and playing of the instrument. Then working exercises out of the Arbans book, charlier etudes, and Clarke studies to better enhance performance ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I use my own method books alongside other pedagogical resources such as the guitar methods left by Carulli, Carcassi, Sor, Brouwer, and many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

Teaching must be a two way street between the instructor and the student. There must be an understanding of the relationship and a willingness on both ends to take everything that they can out of the experience. I believe once this is done, a relationship can start to form between the two which will naturally help in the learning progress. For adults especially, constructive criticism is just as important as the praise when you do a good job. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For many people, singing is all about having the confidence to try. I encourage all my students to sing out and not be afraid to make mistakes. I emphasize strengths and am always quick to point out the smallest of victories. Learning to sing is about consistency and knowing you're a work in progress. Even the most accomplished of singers are still learning and growing. I think the best sound comes from a relaxed and comfortable body, which is why I incorporate work on posture and movement to make sure you are uninhibited by body tension or stiffness. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion

I begin all students on snare drum. This allows for the proper development of hand technique that is the base of percussion. I teach the original 26 rudiments along with the Breeze Easy method books for beginners, or students that do not read music. With the drum kit I encourage students to become familiar with as many styles of music they can. I use the blending of styles to help mold the student from a drummer to a musician, and help create an individual sound; Read More