Piano Lessons in Climax, NC

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

In college have had the opportunity to work as a music instructor to a studio with over 20 students on a weekly basis. The students ranged in age from 5 to 70. This gave me a good perspective on how to directly connect with each student to ensure that we are exploring the best concept of learning for the individual. Drum set lessons are always more groove oriented first and I do encourage becoming comfortable learning from an aural perspective before tackling reading music and understanding theory. Read More

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: Piano Violin Viola Synthesizer Electric Violin Fiddle

I believe a good musical day is enjoyed through a well-balanced musical diet! I love to keep the fundamentals in mind with scales and etudes fit for the student's skill level, and leverage those through a performance piece of choice, be it mine or yours (with blessings). If we are working towards a specific piece for a recital or a judge, I will tailor assignments to the piece. I am proficient with music notation software, so customized sheets are absolutely a possibility. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

In the technical area I generally start with the Bastien or Alfred Series of Method Books. The student will lean to incorporate the technical and artistic to understand piano music especially can elicit different feelings. I take what the student is interested in music wise in order as a teaching tool. Also, I am incorporating in person and virtual lessons as we know the world has changed and we have found there are different ways to a great outcome. Read More