Piano Lessons in Warrendale, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. 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

For very young beginning students, I typically start with Faber Piano Adventures, and for older beginners, the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures or Hal Leonard Adult Learner Series. Once the student has shown an understanding of basic theory and technique, classical repertoire will be introduced, along with level appropriate arrangements of the student's choice music. It's important that the student is taught how to practice a piece effectively to continue growing musically in between lessons, so that lessons can be used to find areas for improvement, and to learn new concepts and material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

As an accomplished self taught pianist and composer I've spent my life experimenting with different methods, material and practice beliefs. I can teach and speak more broadly now about music, not as an elitist activity but as a language vital to humans whether it is "spoken" or heard. I encourage exploration, a firm understanding of fundamentals and full pursuit of whatever goals are set by the student. This understanding has allowed me to produce over 50 projects, 250 string arrangements and write well over 200 songs to date. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More