Piano Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For adults, I use a heavy emphasis on training the ear and understanding music in "the bigger picture". It's critical to not just see a bunch of notes or chords, but to be able to analyze why those notes/chords fall where they do and what relation they have to each other, and to the song as a whole. The next step is to use that knowledge and apply it to improvisation and composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet

It is such a joy to see students progress in lessons, especially younger students. My former piano teacher of 10 years inspired me so much and was the most amazing and professional piano instructor in my area. She really lived by the reward system. Anytime, I would finish a goal or objective for the day, whether it be scales, or finishing a pieces, she would reward us with stickers or candy or anything to motivate us in love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

An Effective Teacher Needs to Practice What They Preach. A good educator must first have mastered their art and studied the principles underlying human development to fully understand how to teach someone the art of music. This goes far beyond replicating your musical history, or relaying what you think was the right path when you first learnt music. An Effective Teacher Needs To Stay Up To Date I try to stay up to date on the latest teaching resources and methodology An Effective Teacher Needs To Engage Their Students Hence, be open and willing to learn and teach new repertoire which engages your students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

In addition to the published materials I use with students, I also incorporate: sight reading rhythm reading chord knowledge and technical focus Guitar Students (All Ages) For my guitar students, I use a combination of materials, including books, charts, tab, and online resources to help meet the individual needs of the student. Popular music is often used as a pathway to learning the foundation of guitar performance skills. Voice Voice lessons are based on the goals of the student (children and adults). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching private tutoring sessions to underclassmen while I was studying songwriting at Berklee College of Music. I tutored my friends in ear training, harmony, and performance/audition technique. I found the process came quite naturally to me because I brought the knowledge I had of teaching piano and voice to children in high school to the table. It is so gratifying to see the look on a student's face when they start to comprehend what it is you're teaching them! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

I've always found that my students who seem to have the most fun are the ones who progress the fastest, so my primary method is to approach lessons with material that students are interested in. I try to keep things fun and interesting by doing things such as incorporating a student's favorite music into a lesson. It's important for a student to practice regularly with discipline and focus. However based on my experience, nothing propels a student forward faster than the happiness and satisfaction gained from 'nailing' a new lick or figuring out a cool new trick. 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