Piano Lessons in Franklin, IN

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My teaching style is laid back and fun, as well as motivating and challenging. I think it's important for each lesson to be fun because it fosters positive growth and a love for music. It is also important to me that students take their learning seriously. I expect my students to practice on their own time in order to reach their own goals. Without practice and perseverance, it is difficult to become skilled at your instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The art form of music is both a cerebral and deepy visceral experience. And thus so I invite students to journey outward and inward to begin (or continue) studying music from both a scholastic perspective as well as treating the art form as a purely aural experience. My teaching studio enables students to take home recordings of themselves so they have an audible track record of their progress. Every student learns differently, and is born with inherently different strengths, weaknesses, rhythms, and song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

When I think of teaching, I think of how rewarding it is to get to know each student and their families. I encourage parents to stay in the lesson (not required). There is so much to learn and see. My students each have a plan each week outlining not just WHAT to practice but HOW to practice. I often say if you practice HOW I am asking you to practice, you will learn a lot and progress. Read More

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

I have made a lot of sheets/handouts that I have collected over the years and give these out to my students for free, this has worked well for most students. I try to adapt my teaching style to fit any student and help them achieve their goals and believe the best teachers are able to break down complex ideas or difficult concepts into simple steps that any student can follow. Read More

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 Keyboard

Experience has led me to instead encourage my students to listen to recordings of themselves and others after they finish learning their music, so they have a chance to develop their own ideas of the piece first. In New Zealand I learned to play on Hamburg Steinways, instruments that need care to make a full, round sound when playing loud. This helped me to form and teach a technique grounded in efficient use of arm weight versus muscle. Read More