Thomas H
5.0
(12)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul, Marching Band
Thomas H
5.0
(12)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
I am a proud graduate of Central State University where I earned my B.M. in Jazz Studies. I've performed professionally on both Clarinet and Piano. Growing up in the Metro Detroit area, music was everywhere and it gave me a community and the opportunity to cultivate my love of music. Since my relocation to the Middle Georgia area, it has been so exciting learning and slowly becoming a part of my new community. My favorite styles of music to perform on the piano are gospel and pop. However, my favorite style of music to play on both the clarinet and the flute is jazz! I truly look forward to the experience of working with a wider range of students.
I have 10+ years of professional performing and instructing experience. I have pupils who have received high marks in middle and high school MSBOA solo and ensemble competitions for clarinet and flute. I have also been providing private lessons virtually for the past year. I have run a summer keyboard class where I instructed 4-10 students weekly. My musical experience is not limited to instrumental instruction, I have been a church pianist and Music director since 2010 serving 3 churches consistently where I directed the praise team and choir, made arrangements and taught parts. I additionally have been a featured artist performing solo and as a part of a band with B.O.S.S. Detroit Entertainment co. We performed at fundraisers, holiday parties, as well as banquets.
My teaching method is the same for adults as well as young students, I believe it is best Compared to the compliment sandwich. The beginning of the lesson should start with something the student is confident with while I will be giving positive reinforcement and critiques. Then the middle or the meatier section should contain the things that the student has not yet perfected but still needs a lot of work. Placing the more uncomfortable material in the middle of the lesson gives the student time to relax and become more confident in their abilities. Then we should end with something different than the beginning but at the same time something that the student is confident in, this way they leave their lesson feeling accomplished and as if they have really learned something and performed their best.
My teaching style is low-pressure but simultaneously focuses on technical ability, and music theory while fostering a unique voice in the student. I feel like students who develop their own voice in their music at an early stage of their education create a stronger passion for music in the long run thus more successful and enthusiastic musicians are made. Whether my student is interested in learning to read music or to play/sing by ear, my aim is to study music that is interesting to the student. (For me as a beginning student, the best part about music was my own individuality and creativity. That is why I focus on helping my students create their own voices. I feel it is our own personal voice that allows our music to sing.)
Shuronda Hardy
Thomas worked with my kids for many years before moving out of state and we absolutely love him! He is very patient and knowledgeable. He has a way of pulling the best out of people.
Jaqueline Morgan
They say when you get older you can’t learn anything new (old dogs, new tricks lol) but Thomas is the most patient and clear, down-to-earth teacher I’ve ever known! I’m 50 yrs old and he makes me believe in myself in that I too can learn to play the piano! All this he does remotely thru Zoom or FaceTime… He is truly an amazing, gifted individual!!
Michelle
Thomas is very patient with my kids. He always encourages them and keeps them engaged even when they are having a rough day and don't want piano lessons. He's been an amazing teacher. Highly recommend!
Jeffrey Hack
Thomas H makes learning piano a breeze! I'm a 30 year old business professional and I always wanted to get into playing the piano. Musika and Thomas has made the process a breeze with being flexible on scheduling. He is a subject matter expert in the piano and in teaching. He creates a fun, inspiring, and empowering session. Whether you have played in the past or have never played piano before, he makes his lessons be no pressure where mistakes are totally fine as we are all here to learn, grow, and enjoy piano. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and he ensures that you gain that piano mindset to grow with each key you play. At first if you think the class being remote takes away from the experience, it doesn't. He send music your way through email and keeps a running log of your process. He has an amazing ear and can pickup when you play a wrong note every single time. I use my iPad on my music stand so we can see each other and go over music. He doesn't just want you to just play music, he wants you to grow so your skills retain for the longevity. It's great to be challenged so you can see yourself grow week by week. I highly recommend you give him a try and you will see on why he is passionate in what he does every single session. I plan to always utilize him as my instructor/teacher and will implement him in my business schedule. If you need to reach out to me about him feel free too. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have with Musika or by having Thomas as your instructor/teacher. Remember that just because it's remote it does not take away from the experience. Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
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