Piano Lessons in Excelsior Springs, MO

Instruments: Piano

Effective teaching caters to each student's unique needs and learning styles. This is why although I prefer the Music Tree series of method books, I'm also flexible and observant to determine the best possible approach on a student-by-student basis. My goal is to instill a genuine, passion for music in my students, and also to help develop well-rounded musicians. Whether you want to play Mozart, write songs, or play in a jazz band, I want to give you the tools you need to make the most of that situation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have studied many teaching methods, including Orff, Suzuki, the Russian music school. Essential to the Russian music school of piano method are touch, tone and expressiveness. When playing piano, posture, hand position and other fundamentals are very important. I use elements of all of these methods, tailored to the needs and abilities of my individual students. In vocal lessons, my method is based on breath control and learning to sing a musical piece the way the composer intended, emotionally and expressively. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

In my studio, the most important thing when structuring lessons is to make them individualized. No two lessons look the same in my studio. If a student wants to work on composing, that will be the focus. If the student wants to work on sight-reading, we'll focus on that. Of course, it's important to be a well-rounded musician, but these lessons are for the students' benefit, not mine, so I'll make sure they leave their lessons with what they want to gain. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My biggest focus with my students is building confidence! I strive to always be encouraging. I believe that we are capable of accomplishing much more when we believe that we can do it! One of the most important building blocks of confidence is consistent practice. I will make sure my students leave their lessons with a plan for the coming week’s practice. I will do my best to make sure this practice is both purposeful and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

The first step is to build a foundation, a base that all musical ability will be built on. This core will be built of fundamental elements. (This step is fun because you are able to play your instrument.) Once a foundation is created all newly learned material will add on to that base foundation. This means if you learn new material or go off on your on in any direction you will always have this musical foundation that all of your musical learning will be added to. (This step is really exciting, and leads you to new musical elements and new ideas.) Next you begin to learn musical techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My goal for each of my students is that they are truly learning things that make them want to play, pieces and techniques that make them want to learn more and ask questions for themselves. I am not here to tell a student what they can and cannot do in music (though of course I am in technical ways) - I am here to enable students to make the music they want to make, to perform the sounds they hear in their head. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

It is important to me that each of my students learns to love their instrument. But, even more than the love of their instrument, is the importance of knowing and understanding one's instrument. I offer positive reinforcement, encouraging my student in realistic goals. I acknowledge accomplishments that help fuel mystudent's desires to progress. However, I do not hide from the fact that pursuing music is a discipline. A well structured and commited practice time offers the best benefits. Read More