Piano Lessons in Farmington, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For young students just beginning, I use a system of "music play" which includes games and engaging activities for the child to become interested in music. I borrow heavily from both Music Learning Theory and the Orff Method, as well as include games and ideas that I have found to be creative and educational. After this stage of learning, I start students on basic notation and sight reading, and learning what the notes on the page mean. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music Keyboard

I firmly believe that students are best served when their teacher knows and cares about them. This attitude toward teaching helps me to tailor instruction to students' needs rather than following a prescriptive method. I usually begin lessons with a brief, informal conversation where we discuss the student's week and talk about things that are important to them. A strong and appropriate student-teacher relationship is the bedrock for successful goal-setting, accountability, and, of course, fun in private lessons! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students developed a passion and desire for music. Therefore, not only is it about what pieces I want to teach, but also what songs or pieces my students are interested in learning. That is why I ask my students from time to time, "What do you want to learn?" Depending on their level, we decide if we can learn it or wait. I also try to make my students share the process of finding out information; Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a passion for music, and I play a lot of gigs, and I can see that it inspires students. I work on student's strengths first, to give them a sense of accomplishment. I use audio recording during lessons to make an actual creation that students can share with friends and family. This also helps the student hear what they sound like, and to track their progress from week to week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For very young beginning students, I typically start with Faber Piano Adventures, and for older beginners, the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures or Hal Leonard Adult Learner Series. Once the student has shown an understanding of basic theory and technique, classical repertoire will be introduced, along with level appropriate arrangements of the student's choice music. It's important that the student is taught how to practice a piece effectively to continue growing musically in between lessons, so that lessons can be used to find areas for improvement, and to learn new concepts and material. Read More