About
My vast array of experience as a teacher, performer, composer, orchestrator, and producer working in Detroit, Boston, and now Los Angeles, allows me to adapt to any style and interest of each aspiring musician. I love to teach, and therefore I create a fun and encouraging experience while patiently demonstrating, instructing, and practicing with you. We are all given unique knowledge, and I consider it a duty and a joy to share what I have learned from my experience such as performing in the Detroit Jazz Festivals, attending and graduating from Berklee College of Music, composing and orchestrating music for films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, and working with William Ross as he orchestrated and composed music for John Williams on films such as Star Wars and Harry Potter. These and many more, are examples of where I have attained my wisdom and I look forward to sharing it with you.
The greatest feeling in the world is the pride and joy of seeing another person grow as a musician and a human. I have so much fun nurturing the specific passions of each student, in the musical style(s) they want. We can all learn to play music, but the magic lies in how we also feel the music. It is my philosophy to teach someone technically and emotionally as we learn and play. It is further important for a teacher to broaden a students' horizon as to what is out there and what is possible. Therefore, just as in College, I always make it a case to expose different artists and styles to each student as we progress.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process is to learn about your musical interests and experiences. Depending on what you enjoy to listen to, we begin by playing and learning something within that style. This is always done together so that we can have fun with a purpose.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been training and performing professionally since High school, tutored through the Civic Jazz Orchestra directed by Rodney Witaker, the Troy High School Jazz Band, personal bands and jazz ensembles, a Graduate of Berklee College of Music with degrees in Film Scoring and Composition, a private music teacher, a contracted music instructor at 123 School of Rock, and a Composer's Assistant to William Ross.
I have also been a freelance composer, writing music for short films and feature length films, and an Orchestrator for other composers on fims such as Guardians of the Galaxy and The Planter's.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer lessons at 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 75 minutes.
30 mins: $35
45 mins: $50
60 mins: $65
75 mins: $80
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching students in High School when parents were impressed by my playing. Their children had been expressing interest in Guitar, and therefore I began to be asked to teach their children.
12 years later, I still enjoy teaching students young and not-so-young
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students looking to become professional musicians as well as students merely expressing interest in purusing a momentary passion.
Either way, we always have fun whether you are beginning Piano at 5 years old, Guitar at 8 years old, or either instrument at a later point in life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had the great pleasure to fully Orchestrate and prep music for a feature length film entitled, The Planters.
It was a lot of work to be done quickly, but I finished timely and in good form for the recording session a few days later. Attending the recording session was so incredibly fun, because everyone comes together in one place to finish the work. The Composer, Producer, Recording Engineer, Conductor, Music Supervisor, the Musicians, and myself sat in the studio going through each cue, cracking jokes, and enjoying listening to the music finally coming to life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My greatest advice is to look for a teacher who is empathetic and patient. If you cannot connect with the teacher on a personal level, then the full benefit of their experience will not be learned effectively.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How does music make me feel, and why do I want to be able to play and create it?