Since 1998 I have been teaching private music lessons in piano, trombone, & composition. What makes my music lessons unique is that I approach piano as a composer, teaching students how to create music at the piano. This approach offers students a rich knowledge of ear-training & music theory, as well as reading what other composers have written. In essence, the student learns how to make music at the piano. Over the course of twenty years I have also pursued interests in psychology & philosophy. I draw on my experience in these fields to approach learning in a way that is sensitive to the individual.
Am I the teacher for you? I am a traditional, small-town, professionally-educated musician who teaches privately from his home studio. I believe in the human exchange of the master-apprentice relationship that seems to be lost in our contemporary, institutionalized, classroom learning. I offer no medals of honor and no recitals. I am not interested in awards, competitions, or using music as a prop for the ego. I do offer sincere, authentic, and healthful music making for personal expression, enjoyment, exploration, & as a means of sharing with others.
2019 Lesson rates: Weekly lesson, $30 per half-hour, $50 per hour.
Single coaching session, $100.
Adult Piano for Pleasure
I offer adult instruction in playing the piano for pleasure. Lessons focus on music-making for adults who wish to have a positive, spontaneous, and spiritual encounter with music. Older students learn on Kurzweil, Yamaha, & KORG digital pianos & synthesizers, as well as a 1957 Mason & Hamlin, Model B grand piano or a Young Chang Studio piano.
Young Adult Piano Lessons
I offer mature youngsters piano lessons for personal enjoyment or preparation for music studies in college. Students should have a strong interest in music and a willingness to commit to practice and regular lessons in jazz, classical, & popular piano playing.
Parent & Child Music Lessons
I am happy to teach double lesson with mom or dad and child (ages 5+ years). I believe that it is important for a young child to observe the parent practicing, learning, and enjoying music with the student. Parent & child lessons are a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to bond through a new learning experience. I am also happy to provide consultation for parents who wish to expose their infant or toddler to music.
Trombone
Trombone lessons for all ages & levels. You will learn the rudiments of trombone playing in classical, jazz, & free-improvisational genres. Beginner lessons & coaching for individuals who are preparing for university or conservatory auditions.
Music Theory, Composition & Songwriting Craft
Composition instruction in classical, jazz, & popular music.
Techniques of Music
Ear-training, conservatory solfeggio & dictation.
Free-Improvisation
Free-improvisational, spontaneous music-making on all instruments.
Logic Pro X/Garageband, Sibelius, & MuseScore
I offer lessons using Mac music software for composition, orchestration, & recording. I also offer lessons in using Musescore for arrangement scoring.
Wind Gap Studios
