Music Lessons in Whitsett, NC

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning drum students, I typically like to start with the Percussive Arts Society sheet of rudiments to ensure a solid technical background as the student progresses. After that, we move on to simple reading and other drumming fundamental concepts including limb coordination, fills, phrasing and articulation, etc. With older students, I find it helpful to try and begin with what they are interested and comfortable in playing. This allows me to find connections and build lesson plans specifically for the individual. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have been privileged to perform with jazz greats Doc Sevrinson, Marian McPartland, Dave Brubeck, Clark Terry, Eddie Daniels, Marvin Stamm and Zoot Sims. I spent the 80s touring nationally with a rock band and later a jazz rock trio. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience includes serving as a middle school band director, high school band director, middle school choir director, high school choir director, elementary school general music and choir teacher, and elementary school clarinet teacher. The youngest student I've ever taught was six years old, and I'm happy to work with children, adolescents, and adults. During undergrad in college, I also worked the music theory tutoring lab giving theory lessons to college students, so if a high school student is studying music theory, I would be able to assist with that as well. 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: Drums Orchestral Percussion

As a musical educator, I firmly believe in simultaneously ecouraging my students as a push them far past whatever limits they may have had at the beginning. While doing this, I've also realized that each student eventually reaches an "ah ha" moment in their time of learning with me. This happens when the student begins to come into his/her own "musical identity." As crazy as it may sound, I never teach my student how to play, look like or to sound like "me" as I'm teaching them. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have taught kids from ages 9 to fourteen, and am open to teaching anyone of any skill level. I also offer lessons in composition and recording/engineering music production. I encourage regular practice and make sure, especially for kids, that they leave every lesson with something new. I focus on learning how to be a successful musician all around, emphasizing on good technique, performance, and each student's individual sound. I work with students toward their own goals, no matter how big or small. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Teaching has been my passion for over 15 years and I strive to help students achieve their goals no matter how small or large they may be. I try to create a relaxed atmosphere where students can be themselves while still holding them accountable for their practice. Whether it's learning to strum a few chords so you can play along with some of your favorite songs, or learning to perform classical, jazz, or rock in front of an audience, I strive to set short term and long term goals to help students reach their full potential. Read More