About
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I am a graduate of SUNY Fredonia's music education program. The end goal is to become a music teacher in the public school system. Because of this, I have knowledge on how to teach students of all ages (specific methods that have been tried and tested and are still in use by professional teachers today). I specialize in percussion but below, you may view all of the other lessons I offer.
I enjoy helping people discover their innate ability for music. Everyone can be a musician. They only need to either: have a teacher that can help and nurture their musical growth or be so dedicated and love it so much that they are willing to learn on their own.
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Karl
Cory
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson will be a FREE trial lesson. I will use this lesson to work with the student to figure out a good place to start and how to proceed from there. For the student, this will also be a chance to decide if they like me as a teacher.
I will also take this lesson to assess if I can teach the student anything. I am an amazing musician but I know that being a good musician isn't always what the student needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have training in education as well as college-level training in percussion and music theory.
Beginner to Advanced Lessons: Marimba, Snare, Drum Kit, Music Theory
Beginner to Intermediate Lessons: Folk Guitar, Classical Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano
Beginner Lessons: Flute, Violin, Viola
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Baseline: 18$ per half-hour lesson. Full-hour lessons are 30$. Lessons should be weekly and scheduled at the same time each week. Full-hour lessons are not recommended for students of middle school age and younger.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching my senior year of high school when I needed some extra cash. In my neighborhood there were quite a few children eager to learn a new instrument. So I picked up teaching guitar at first, then I branched out to percussion and bass. During my collegiate years is when I added piano to the repertoire.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with ages ranging from 7 years old to 50+. I believe that it is never too late to learn an instrument. Though I've worked with all ages, I do feel like I work best with students in middle/high school.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Part of going to college for education is observing and helping teachers. There was one time when a teacher I was helping seemed overloaded so I offered to help with a flute lesson. The student was struggling with a specific rhythm. After spending the entire lesson on rhythm as a concept, the student was immediately better at that rhythm as well as other rhythms that I threw her way. The next day, she told me that the teacher was so happy. She was the only one playing the rhythm correctly.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I believe that any student looking for a music teacher should make sure that their teacher is someone that they can get along with. It is never a good idea to take lessons from a person that you do not respect. That goes for myself as well. IF you do not like me for any reason, do not waste your money. I would be more than happy to help you find a teacher that would be best for YOU.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about the commitment. Learning an instrument and how to read music is hard. It really is a new language. You're learning how to read a new system, how to make that written system into sound, and how to form musical ideas that make sense.
You should also know what you want. Do you want to be a well-rounded musician? Do you want to learn for fun? Are you trying to impress a group/person? Know your 'why am I learning this instrument' so you can pick a good teacher for you.
For young students, I strongly suggest half-hour lessons. 45-minute lessons are like another class in a school day for them and they don't need that added stress. 1-hour lessons are strongly advised against as young children will most likely not be able to focus for that long.