Piano Lessons in Riverdale, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching methods are flexible and student-centered. I believe there is no single right way to learn piano, so I adapt lessons to each students age, personality, learning style, and goals. I combine traditional piano fundamentals with creative exploration to keep lessons engaging and accessible. Students may learn through reading music, listening, playing by ear, improvising, singing, or a combination of all of these. I enjoy incorporating familiar and motivating material such as Disney music, Star Wars themes, and popular songs when appropriate. 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

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I rely on Alfred's Piano Library as it's proven to be a thorough approach to learning, exercising and memory. After some discussions about what resonates with the student, we will both explore options we can really dig into and present in concert format later. I will also introduce counter material for a better overall perspective of how things work, why they do and don't work (depending on the setting) and to better understand those same elements in different contexts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More