My Philosophy Regarding Music Lessons
I’ve often heard both kids and adults say that they have no talent and are not sure they could ever learn to sing or play. However, I strongly believe that God has gifted everyone uniquely and has given them the potential to grow in their ability. I believe that everyone can make music!
It’s true that each person has his or her own particular struggles or weaknesses. Some vocal students have trouble singing in tune, reaching high or low notes, sustaining notes, or singing with a nice quality. Some guitar or uke students are challenged by coordination, dexterity, strength, or rhythm issues.
One of the great aspects of private lessons is that the teacher and student can work together to resolve the student’s unique challenges and bring out the beauty! I love helping my students develop to their full potential, no matter how young or old or “challenged” they are.
My Background, Training and Experience
As a child I was drawn to music. I found that it was a unique avenue for me to express emotion. There was joy. I started taking singing lessons when I got the lead part in the sixth grade musical (My Fair Lady). After that, I convinced my parents that I really wanted a guitar. They borrowed a small guitar, and I started to learn. My friends and I loved singing and playing together. That was the beginning of a life-long enjoyment of music.
I went to college for a voice performance degree, not because I felt drawn to a performing career but simply because I loved to sing and loved music. I graduated from Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana) with an undergraduate degree through the Music School (B.S. in Voice Performance) in 1980.
Shortly after I graduated, I started giving private lessons. My students’ ages have ranged from 6 to 60+. I’ve taught children and adults in my home as well as in a private academy. Most students who come to me are interested in pop, rock, musical theatre, country, classical music, and jazz. Some have learning disabilities, autism, or physical challenges. I have experience teaching groups of students, as well as individuals.
Throughout the years, I’ve used my music in both classical venues and contemporary style music. Before I moved to Minnesota in 2014, I was one of the worship leaders in my church. Currently, I’m playing guitar in the worship band where I attend church here in the Twin Cities.
My Approach to Lessons
Most lessons are given weekly for 30 minutes each. Adults and more advanced students might get more out of 45-minute or one-hour lessons.
I find that students benefit greatly from personalized, one-on-one instruction, so my preference is to give private lessons. However, occasionally a family really wants to learn together (parent and child, or two children, for instance). If so, we’ll talk about it and see if this will be a good fit. In that case, a 45-minute lesson will be necessary and priced accordingly based on the extended time and multiple students.
Teaching Schedule
I give lessons Monday through Friday from 12 noon – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:15 a.m. – 5 p.m. Other times are sometimes available. Evening time slots are not offered.
Those who are involved in team sports should carefully consider their ability to commit to music lessons. I know it’s difficult to juggle many time-consuming activities. While I’m sympathetic to the fact that team sports can be very beneficial, they often require a large time commitment as well as flexibility with one’s schedule because of practices, games, and make-up or tournament games. This often makes it hard to be consistent in personal practice and lessons.
If it’s possible for me to temporarily adjust the student’s lesson time slot, I am happy to do that. If a student does pull out of lessons because of another commitment, however, I won’t be able to guarantee the availability of the time slot upon their return to lessons.
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