Piano Lessons in Riverdale, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe patience and consistency are key to successful learning. I try to model these qualities for my students. My goal is to create an environment in which effective student practice becomes a part of the daily routine, so that once students come to lessons we can work together to solve the musical problems the piece presents. Students bring their enthusiasm and I bring my supporttogether, we learn to interpret and create the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Oboe Bassoon

I have always had an eclectic love for all things music, and enthusiastically share it with anyone who will have me! There was a piano in my house growing up and I couldn't stay away. In school, I studied oboe and bassoon. Eventually I just explored any instrument that caught my interest- guitar, trumpet, ocarinas, panflutes, etc. I spent a lot of time doing musical theatre, and studied voice for a time as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm a passionate and focused instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 2020, I graduated from Catholic Distance University with an associate's degree in liberal arts. In 2022, I obtained my bachelor's degree with a double major in history and English. Right now, I am working towards an associate's degree in philosophy from Franciscan University. Even though I have a great love for the liberal arts, I also have a great love for music as well. 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 Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For young students just beginning, I use a system of "music play" which includes games and engaging activities for the child to become interested in music. I borrow heavily from both Music Learning Theory and the Orff Method, as well as include games and ideas that I have found to be creative and educational. After this stage of learning, I start students on basic notation and sight reading, and learning what the notes on the page mean. Read More