Piano Lessons in Old Hickory, TN

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love to see kids progress in music and become excited about it!! My teaching style is very paced and hands on. If a student isn't getting something, I like to slow it down until they they do. I'm very complimentary and positive during lessons; this helps the student be confident. I also try to give the student a guideline on how to practice and how to pace themselves throughout this process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin

For my beginning students, I typically start with either Essential Elements 2000 for strings or Sound Innovations. Both books give younger students a grasp on the fundamentals of technique. As they grow I then introduce solo repertoire by using the Suzuki Books but also like to add a fiddle book. Sometimes students gradually go either to fiddle or to classical. I try and encourage what they are more comfortable with. For adults, I try to find out what genre of music they enjoy and try to gauge their ability level with a couple playing evaluations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I want all of my students to enjoy playing their instruments and develop a deep love for music. I help my students set realistic and achievable goals both short term and long term. It is also important that students are aware of the progress that is made, no matter how big or small! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I start lessons with a quick interview so I can get an idea of what you want with your singing, not only technically I.e. range, projection, pitch etc, but also personal goals, being better at karaoke or sounding your best in a recording studio and everything in between. We then go over basic vocal exercises, the principles of singing, any tension I see encumbering your vocal production. The last half of the lesson we go through songs, either that you pick or are assigned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I've touched on this briefly above, but, my main focus in teaching a student is always to help them find their own musical voice. For beginners this means, not only helping them learn the rudiments and basics of music, but also exposing them to various styles and approaches they may not otherwise encounter. Usually, this will lead a student to a level of inspiration where they see the learning of a musical instrument as a lifetime commitment and a journey that is constantly exciting and demanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Piccolo Oboe Music Acoustic Guitar

For beginners, I start off with the basics. For example, naming each string on the guitar, curvature of the fingers, embouchure on the headjoint of a flute, and achieving a crow on an oboe reed. For school age children, I use books or sheet music used in their own practice at school or Youth Orchestras during lessons. For any ability level, I use any materials during lessons that my students want to work on that achieves their goals but also keeps them motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I have been with Musika in the Nashville/Brentwood area for ten years after a twelve year hiatus from teaching. Before touring as a full-time artist starting in 1998 I had already taught piano and voice for fourteen years in the Los Angeles area. Some of my former students are themselves music teachers and professional musicians. I can give recommendations if need be. I have been a professional musician for over thirty years. Read More