Piano Lessons in Buffalo Creek, CO

Instruments: Piano Trombone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I am a passionate musician, educator, conductor, and composer, and I have been happily obsessed with music since I began piano lessons at age 10. I joined the school band program in 6th grade, and since then, I have learned how to play and teach many different instruments. My primary instrument is percussion, but I play piano, low brass, clarinet, bass guitar, and I also have perfect pitch. I also have had opportunities to share my love of music by arranging and composing for my own students as well as being commissioned by school band programs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I was my own first student. I began teaching myself how to play the piano over 10 years ago. Throughout this process I learned how to approach some typically confusing topics in much more digestible ways. A benefit to starting out as a self taught musician is that I had to learn how to make sense of things myself rather than memorizing information that a teacher fed me. A main focus of mine as a teacher is encouraging regular practice routines where the student can solidify the information we discuss in our lessons as well as uncover new questions they may have about the subject. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

Although I have taken several college classes in music -- everything from music theory to Garage Band (music software) -- most of my education as a musician, and as a music teacher, has come from real-life musicians! I've personally grown up with many excellent piano players, drummers and singers, so I've been taught by the best. My first love was piano, and currently I sing and play the drums in my church choir. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

In my piano classes I use the Bastien piano method beginning at the primer level for the children. If they have had previous lessons, I am more than willing to continue with their current method. For adult piano students I use the Older Beginner Piano Course by Bastien. Again, if they wish to continue with previously studied materials, I am more than happy to comply with that. For voice students, the music is geared to the individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Throughout my 20+ years as a music instructor, I have found that a friendly, encouraging approach resonates well with students. I individualize each student's instruction to best serve the goal of positive results through creative music- making. I graduated in 1980 with a Piano Performance degree from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Co., with a minor in music education. My performance experience includes playing for weddings, churches, accompanying other musicians, and playing and singingin jazz and Celtic bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet

My lessons are structured with attention paid to the fundamentals of each instrument and the fundamentals of music. I have learned that when a student practices a mistake over and over it remains a mistake. I immediately slow the student down and concentrate on just a measure or even two notes to accomplish correct rhythm, fingerings, articulations and phrasing. When the student can successfully play a passage correctly then the work turns into fun music making. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with my own theory/ method system and then move on to the existing method books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More