Piano Lessons in Leonard, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I rely on Alfred's Piano Library as it's proven to be a thorough approach to learning, exercising and memory. After some discussions about what resonates with the student, we will both explore options we can really dig into and present in concert format later. I will also introduce counter material for a better overall perspective of how things work, why they do and don't work (depending on the setting) and to better understand those same elements in different contexts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. 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 Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I try to cater my lessons to the interest of my students. If a pupil’s passion for music can be harnessed, then developing musical skills can be a simple process. I have a wide variety of material I teach from, including Ted Reed’s syncopation, George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control for the Snare Drummer and basic piano literature. I also use music selected by the student to create custom lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a caring and compassionate vocal music teacher and I teach to intermediate level piano and theory as well. I believe music is for everybody and should be explored. I particularly focus on vocal health in my lessons. I have sung in a local opera company as well as in countless weddings and funerals. I love all kinds of music, from classical to jazz, Bollywood and beyond! If you are looking for lessons for a younger child, please note that I aim to help them learn to appreciate music from all over the world! Read More