Dale J
Instruments: Piano, Organ
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, Country, R&b, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Marching Band

I've taught public school elementary band for 30 years, have been a church organist for 70 years, and taught piano and organ for 57 years. I accompanied church and school choirs and orchestra through high school and on into college and then directed such groups; so I know what skills are needed to perform and what it feels like to be put in such a position. Since I've been teaching so long, I can anticipate where in the assignment, the student is likely to be challenged. Also, sometimes students feel that they are the only one that has made such a mistake and think less of themselves because of it. I can assure them that that is not the case and that they needn't lose confidence because of it.

I use the John Schaum piano method course and theory and harmony lessons and supplement it with other music which the student may choose. The theory lessons provide a means to drill on the essentials by means of a work-book style in optional detached pages so that the teacher can take the papers and correct them before the next lesson. I prefer to correct them instantly and correct misunderstandings so that future assignments will be approached correctly. The harmony lessons benefit any students who wish to pursue music in college. But all can find them useful in understanding the composers intent and general harmonic structure of the selection to aid in memorization.