Tommy Dwight Music
1 employee
20 years in business
About this pro
As a working musician, composer and private teacher for over 25 years, I bring a ton of experience and knowledge to my students. I focus on building not only the student's ability to play but also to UNDERSTAND the music.
I have students ranging from 5 to adult and enjoy working with all ages and abilities!
I have a lot of patience and will take the time to make sure a student truly 'gets it'. But at the same time, I am not a teacher who will bore the student by practicing the same piece over and over and over again. Sometimes, a piece of music just doesn't 'click'. If that's the case and I feel like they've got the general idea, we move on to new skills.
I will also adapt to what the student wants to learn. Especially as they get older. While I believe that the fundamentals are essential and I tend toward using classical music to build skills, I am perfectly comfortable exploring other styles of music that will keep the student engaged. Music needs to be fun and rewarding!
I offer Piano, Voice, Clarinet and Saxophone Lessons - also can provide tutoring in Theory and Notation Software (Finale, specifically).
I love working with students of so many skill levels. It keeps my approach fresh and I learn from each student a better way to teach.
When a student really masters a skill, it is so gratifying to watch their joy in displaying that skill.
Music is for everyone and I believe that it benefits each student - no matter the age and level!
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Credentials
Raleigh, NC 27609
Email verified
Phone verified
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Tommy uses his musical talents to bring the best out me. He is technically good and applies that in teaching. His even greater strength is his ability to teach me to incorporate more creativity in my piano playing.
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Tommy has been teaching my daughter voice lessons for almost 2 years. Under his guidance, her technique and confidence have improved tremendously. Added bonus: not only is Tommy a kind and patient teacher, but he's also a great human being.
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Tom structures lessons very well for our 6 year old boy. He is patient and understanding. Has a great rapport with children.
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My granddaughter is a sophomore in high school, and has been taking lessons from Tommy for well over a year now. We chose to go with Tommy after our previous teacher became ill and had to quit. We have been very happy with our choice. She has played the piano for around 5 years, and Tommy has her music sounding amazing. He is prompt and quick with communication.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It's important that the teacher and student have a good rapport - no matter the age. That will be the foundation of a good environment for learning music. Beyond that, it depends a lot on the age and experience of the student. If they are young and inexperienced, I will definitely suggest a certain path to follow. That is based on solid technique and theory. Older and/or more experienced students get a little more leeway in dictating what they'd like to learn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My education and training is probably a little different than most music teachers as I don't actually have a music degree. However, I come from a musical household, have played the piano since I was 6, started singing seriously since I was about 9, began playing woodwind instruments when I was 10.
I've performed with concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, pit orchestras and choirs. Was exposed to some hard-core theory from a young age, started writing songs and composing when I was 17, worked as a church Music Director for about 15 years and have composed music for film, television and commercials.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I currently teach only at my students' homes, so this requires travel. My rates start at $35 for a half-hour lesson and increase in $10 increments/15 minutes.
I offer a 'family' discount for more than one student in the household.
I'm happy to arrange a free 'trial' lesson before you commit to working with me.
I understand the financial burden lessons can be so if budget is a concern, please let me know and I will do my best to be flexible.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Have a piano - or at least a 61-note WEIGHTED keyboard. Unweighted keyboards are ok for very young students for about a week and a half...
Very young children - it's important that an adult is available to monitor their practicing. Even if the adult is not a musician, it's important that they stay on task
Older children - I try to monitor closely what lessons/music resonates with the student. It's ok for the student to let me know what they like and don't like (It doesn't mean I'll let things slide, but I will listen to you!)
Adults - make sure you have time to practice! It will become frustrating and lessons won't last long if you're not able to focus at least a little bit of time on it between lessons.
Lessons offered
Music Teachers Arrangement And Composition Lessons Audition Prep Lessons Clarinet Lessons Classical Piano Lessons Classical Voice Lessons Composition Lessons Music Theory Lessons Piano Lessons Saxophone Lessons Singing Lessons Voice Lessons Vocal Training Lessons Accompaniment Lessons Broadway Singing Lessons