Piano Lessons in Ellettsville, IN

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Organ

There are several different method books that I like to use with my students based on age, knowledge/experience, and of course if the method book they use is something they will enjoy; it's very difficult if a student doesn't like the book they're using so I try to give them options. For beginners, I like to use John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course or the Schuam method books. For additional practice and work, I like to use Schaum's Fingerpower and have the student write out the notes then recite them aloud while playing the exercise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Age-friendly materials are my favorite to use. For very young pianists I often buy books with lots of color and large print like Kjos's Piano Party. Kjos and Alfred are two of my favorite publishers, but I am willing to work with materials your family may already own. Flashcards are an important tool for many children to become fluent at naming/reading notes. I also like to have students complete written theory assignments, and, to help students from getting bored, I often "reward" them with single pieces of fun sheet music that can be performed for recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at age 8. In my formative years I studied with various instructors around central Indianapolis until mid year of '85. Upon this time I studied a full year with James Lee Thorpe whom eventually played, toured recorded with Sweet F.A. They released albums with MCA Chrysalis Records. I began composing my own riffs, melodies and solo work at age 15 also. I studied Music Theory my Junior year at Ben Davis High School. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I want to instill a passion for music in my piano students. To do this, I let each student progress at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lession and acknowledging the small accomplishments. By finding out what inspires a student, I can tailor my instruction to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my time as an instructor, I have not used any particular method book in my lessons. I will buy a notebook for each student where all important information from the lesson will be recorded. I write charts and exercises myself using tablature or standard notion depending on the student. As music being such a cumulative concept, I like to not only focus on pedagogy, but music theory and aural skills as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I’ve been teaching in some capacity for over 7 years. Currently, I teach private clarinet lessons full time to over 50 wonderful students. Also, I lead sectionals at several area schools and work with the nationally ranked Avon High School marching band. I encourage students to set their own specific goals to work towards. Above all, I aim to make lessons fun and positive so students enjoy learning and playing their instrument! Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My teaching philosophy has five basic elements that I always follow: differentiation, engagement, feedback, ownership, assessment and questioning. I teach students with different music levels, backboards, and ages. I try my best to start with what my student can do then extend within student's own context, so each of my students is very unique and special for me. And I always hope to cultivate my students, especially young students to become a better person through their music learning journey which is how I learned most from my music teachers. Read More