About
I believe the best teachers are those who are able to understand the aspirations of their students and are able to give them the info and methods to acquire their dreams. I try to set student specific goals and learning paths to give them what they need.
I view music as a form of communication like other languages. To be literate with a language, one must be able to understand it when they hear it, be able to say their own thoughts, be able to read written language, and write their own thoughts. I believe all of these skills are important when someone is learning music to be well rounded and literate. That's not to say "everything" must be known. But I believe students should have an understanding of fundamentals of music and how it applies to their musical genres and aspirations.
My hope is to always give my students the knowledge they need to be able to express themselves as they desire.
Highlights
Reviews
Kathy S.
Ken G.
Michael H.
Bridget M.
Peter F.
Keli R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to find out what the students goals and aspirations are. We really only learn what we are most interested in. Once I have an idea of a students interests and aspirations, I can use the music a student likes to teach them the necessary musical concepts to be able to express themselves.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA Music from Western Michigan University
Experience:
5+ Years as Camp Counselor at Interlochen and WMU's Seminar Music Camp
3+ Years as Ski Instructor
10+ Years playing in bands
5+ years teaching privat lessons
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I also travel to your home for lessons. Rates for travel lessons are:
1/2 Hour $30
Hour $50
How did you get started teaching?
All my life I have found it easy break concepts down into simple steps and give that understanding to others. Luckily I also find great joy in that.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with just about every age of student between teaching music and skiing. When it comes to learning we all start each new skill at the beginning. With different ages it's just a different lense of experience.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was recently teaching 4 year old to ski. He was having problems and saying, "I can't do it."
I reminded him that everything we can now do was once something that we couldn't do. I told him I wanted him to say he "couldn't do it YET but was going to learn". By the end of the lesson he was saying he "COULD" do it. And he could.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who inspires you and can give you the tools to achieve what you want to do. Obviously you want someone you like, but remember we grow the most when we are out of our comfort zone. So you do want someone who is going to push you beyound what is "easy and fun".
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What music they like.
What they hope to achieve.
How much they are willing to work.