Piano Lessons in White Rock Lake, TX

Instruments: Piano Voice

I helped students successfully prepare auditions for college, musical theatre productions, all-state choir, summer music programs, and more. I taught students in a wide variety of musical styles and skill levels. I was also able to sing in two professional choirs from 2010-2019. For the last 7 years, in addition to teaching private piano and voice lessons in my private studio, I also served as the choir director/music theory/music appreciation instructor at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, a small state-funded boarding high school for gifted students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Clarinet: Any beginning band method book, Baermann, Klose, Voxman. At advanced levels I will use appropriate repertoire and advanced method books tailored to the student. Saxophone/flute: Any beginning band method book or standard beginning to intermediate woodwind book. Appropriate repertoire. Piano: I use most beginning methods, including Alfred, Bastien, Piano Adventures (Faber), and other standard piano methods. I use those appropriate to age, goals, and learning style (for instance, chord methods are sometimes better for adults). Read More

Instruments: Piano

For children beginners, I typically start with Hal Leonard's "More Popular" books. Once the student has begun to learn how to sightread and grasp the fundamental elements, I begin to introduce a repertoire suitable for the student's performance. For students who are a little bit older and have a little bit more experience I ask them what they would like to learn. I am a firm believer in asking the student what their goals are and what they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

I have played cello for over 30 years. I've been teaching on and off since I graduated college, and consistently for the last ten years. I have performed and recorded with a variety of different groups in Southern California and Texas including the Claremont Symphony Orchestra in Claremont, California, the Point Loma Nazarene University Orchestra in San Diego, California, the Sinfonietta of Fort Worth in Texas, various independent solo artists and alternative bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music Keyboard

Depending on my student's age and skill level I usually have them begin with Suzuki books, Essential Elements books, or a combination of the two. As students advance I often incorporate etudes and/or exercises by Lee, Dotzauer, Galamian, Mooney, Sevcik, Duport, and Popper. While ear training is an essential skill that I teach to all of my students, the younger a student is the more I'll have them "play by ear" instead of reading sheet music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I like to make sure that my students are actually learning the exercises rather than just going through the motions. If I find them making mistakes I stop them and ask them to explain to me what they are supposed to be doing. This helps me pinpoint whether they need further teaching or just more practice. I am very careful to try to catch and correct bad habits early before they become ingrained. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in learning the fundamentals but I believe that experience should be enjoyable. That's why we "play" music in the first place! This can mean different things to different students but a focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement toward specific musical goals will always be the guiding factor in my approach. I also encourage students to take ownership of the musical skills learned by experimenting with composition and improvisation. Read More