Piano Lessons in Martindale, TX

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Darrell worked at the primary, secondary/preparatory, and tertiary levels at some of the top-rated private schools in New York, conducting and directing since 1986.  He has been a professional producer, director, performer and private instructor/mentor in Austin, Texas since 2009. Performing since 1980, Darrell has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to professionals in a wide variety of genres in many facets of music production, from center stage to backstage and in the recording studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Music

It is important to me that I provide a warm, comfortable environment for all my students. I strive to meet the student where they are, set goals, and make plans to achieve them. Voice in particular is a difficult thing to learn, since the mechanisms are internal and difficult to see as well as hard to control directly. That is why many teachers speak through visualization and analogy. I make every effort to explain the science behind the singing process, but I also use a variety of teaching approaches that have proven to be effective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Depending on the age and personality, I cater each lesson to the individual. If they are younger students, I'll use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books, but sometimes I will make a custom book that builds with their development and learning style. I believe reading sheet music is important, but understand that being able to play along with other musicians using ear training and improv skills, as well as reading chord charts, is just as necessary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Much of my lesson plan is specific to the age, experience, desire and ability of the student, but the basics tend to remain the same. I try to craft dexterity and melodic exercises to unite the ear and fingers, while crating a basic understanding of the theory involved, a rhythmic exercise which teaches comping and time, and assign a song to work on between lessons. I refer to this plan as "Theory, Time Tune." This technique was effective when assigned to me and I still use it to guide my own practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I give all of my students a mixture of technical exercises, repertoire pieces, and creative assignments to keep things interesting and varied. We will spend about half of the lesson on technique and theory, and the other half on understanding, and appreciating different musical styles and how to improvise comfortably and confidently over them. I have a much heavier focus on songwriting, and composing than most teachers, and I encourage my students to be as creative as possible while giving them the tools to do so effectively and correctly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Recorder French Horn Piccolo Oboe Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching in high school. Since then, I have been privileged to study with the best teachers in the world. So, what took me years to learn, can be brought to you in a few lessons. You are the winner by receiving a compilation of my experiences with world and internationally known teachers, as well as over 35 years of working with all ages and backgrounds; so I am able to help you learn quickly and easily. Read More