Piano Lessons in Pontiac, MI

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Hi. My name is Jesse and I am a drummer. I graduated from Bennington college in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, after which I moved to New York City to study jazz drums with some of the most gifted and creative musicians in the world. I’ve travelled the world playing music professionally in a variety of styles, in over 70 different countries across every (habitable) continent! 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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Faber series, along with accompanying primer theory and lesson book. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. In addition to this, I typically start to add scale exercises to increase strength and speed in one's fingers. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I start out with a new student I like to see what kind of learning works best for them. Are they a visual, audio or tactical learner? from there I modify each lesson for each individual student. I make sure my lessons are a very positive experience with no criticism. I teach with charts, tablature and standard notation. My primary method of teaching is to have my students study from my own books, in addition to publications by Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love seeing my students gain passion and find success when they learn a riff or a chord, because I know how I felt when I did it. It inspires you to learn more. I like to use the method of telling them something they did fantastic, something they could work on and end on something they really did awesome on. I want to know what inspires the student and what they want to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For children, I do not use books or complicate bibliography to teach. I encourage children to discover music through their own curiosity. Using historical imagery and references of the natural world that surrounds us, is very effective way to help children understand music. Art contains emotion and intellect, so, my intention is that the kids explore that knowledge in a fun and joyful way. For adults, the teaching process is more focus to expand their abilities. Read More