Piano Lessons in Leonard, MI

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginner students, I would definitely use Hal Leonards Essential Elements for trumpet (Books 1-4). It is always best for new students to start with identifying the notes and the rhythms, along with learning some fundamental exercises to fully master the trumpet. For more advanced/intermediate students (7th or 8th grade), I would start by giving out solo pieces to better prepare for solo and ensemble competitions, all the way till their final year at high school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

I have a degree from Wayne State University where I studied Jazz Guitar and Music technology.  I've played in bands ranging from Big Band Swing to Country to Punk Rock playing guitar, bass and piano/keyboards.  My studio is equipped with two amplifiers and the ability to record the student for playback. This provides a chance to hear oneself. In addition to this I have a library of sheet music including instructional books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Double Bass

I love transfering my love of music to students. I help them achieve their goals at a challenging, yet doable pace. When parts of the music are too difficult, I always break them down into their simplest possible parts. I am not strict, however I am realistic, and let students know that it is critical that they practice so that they can improve. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I start beginners off with Frances Clark, The Music Tree Series. I also use the Faber-Faber Piano Adventures and Helen Marlais' Succeeding at the Piano. As students progress, I focus on repertoire pieces issuing from the baroque, classical, romantic, and modern eras as to introduce students to the history of music. Important components of home-practice include sight-reading and technique-building exercises. I also encourage sight-singing as a way of developing the student's ear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very process oriented. Goals are set, but are the natural outgrowth of well developed plans and consistent effort. I strive to inspire my students with the passion for playing and the act of making music, rather than the goals of perfection or winning a competition. Personally, music has always been a way for me to understand and enrich my life in more meaningful ways than I ever could have imagined. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is fun and effective. I find that a huge percentage of issues people face are themselves, so I employ fun techniques to overcome obstacles. An example would be a student I currently have who gets tense as she approaches higher notes- I will have her toss a ball back and forth as a distraction technique and it's amazing that a beautiful, free high note come right out! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My favorite moments while teaching is the light bulb moments, for these to occure lessons are goal based and created around the students level of exsperiece, future goals, and personal goals. In the first lesson we set mini goals for each lesson, medium goals for the month, and large goals for something we want to work towards or a up and coming competition. I use a positive environment to help student feel good about their accomplishments, but also have them discover areas of improvement by recording them or asking them what they feel they did well and what they feel they need to work on. Read More