Piano Lessons in Utica, MI

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

I love to  see my students improve. When a student is bored then I am not doing my job as a teacher. Inspiring my students is  an important part of my teaching. I love seeing my kids improve and believe they can do anything. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello future students! I much enjoy sharing my experience as a creative musician to my students whether they are 5 or 55, beginner or advanced. I am a patient teacher and do my best to encourage each student to find themselves as unique learners (musicians) unto themselves. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2002 with a BA focus on Music Composition. While recently living in NYC, I formed a 12-member saxophone orchestra, composed and recorded two symphonies, performed and recorded with the late Glenn Branca's 100 Guitar Ensemble, and provided live Sound Design for renowned poetess Anne Carson. 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

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 Violin Double Bass

I generally use Alfred for piano, both the children's and adult's versions. I use Hal Leonard for guitar. For both violin and double bass, I generally use either Belwin or Essential Elements. However, some students prefer to not use a method book at all and that is fine. Also, some have different method books they like, which is also fine. Read More