Piano Lessons in Palmer Lake, CO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to have my students progress to a point where they feel comfortable picking a song of their choice, transcribing it as accurately as possible, and playing it. For advanced students: there is no set structure for advanced students, as their requests and sets of strengths and weaknesses are so individually specific that I have to create a specific lesson plan for each student. However, one theme that I love to introduce advanced musicians to in terms of music theory are the psycho-acoustics and emotional manipulation of specific chord progressions, modes, cadences, and modal interchange. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I have a little card taped toa bookcase in my living room that says: "Give 'em something they can DO." This means the students needs to be able to put things into action, into motion. Everything will make more sense for you when you physicallyDO it. Then my card says, "Give 'em something theyCAN do." This is an important distinction! When the activities are do-able, from the very beginning, students experience success andtheir confidence begins to grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Education is a central part of my life and will continue to be for my whole career. When I'm not teaching music, I teach English to kids living in China over the Internet! I have been teaching music for several years in individual, group and clinic settings. I recently graduated from the University of Iowa where I was lucky enough to study many different kinds of music. I became interested in Caribbean music and steelpan and through the University and had the great experience of competing in Panorama in Trinidad Tobago. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Throughout my 20+ years as a music instructor, I have found that a friendly, encouraging approach resonates well with students. I individualize each student's instruction to best serve the goal of positive results through creative music- making. I graduated in 1980 with a Piano Performance degree from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Co., with a minor in music education. My performance experience includes playing for weddings, churches, accompanying other musicians, and playing and singingin jazz and Celtic bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar

I started teaching two years ago at a private lesson studio in Denver called My Music Skool. My main focus was on piano and saxophone. Now I teach privately as a freelance musician. Two points I emphasize when teaching are practicing at least once a day no matter how long you play and learning what inspires you. There will always be some sort of theory I sneak in whether it's learning scales or building technical skills that will build confidence and ability, but if these devices aren't being applied to the type of music that inspires the student, then learning music becomes discouraging instead of fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have tried almost every method book available. Once I have met a student, it is important that I find instruction books that I hope will be appealing to the student. Basic theory is absolutely fundamental to learning to play. There are many different theory books as well as online theory lessons. However, at the very beginning of lessons, I like to use manuscript paper and ask the student to write his/her own music. Read More