Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's
employment with us.
Background Check Complete
Criminal Background Check
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: No
Ages: 5 & up
Subjects Taught
Drums, Piano, Singing, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Percussion, Songwriting
Education
Webster University - M.A.T w/ certification - 08/2007 - present
Webster University - Jazz Percussion - 09/2002 - 05/2007 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
I teach all styles of music, but I specialize in jazz, gospel, r&b, blues, and pop
Lesson Details
First off, I want every student to feel comfortable with lessons. Which is why it is important for a student to know what they want out of a lesson. I will not teach you something that you are not interested in.
After a decision has been made on area of interest. I always start with the basics of whatever the subject is, involving technique, history, styles, artists associated with genre.
In 3 to 6 months, with adequate practice time, students should know some rudiments, and be able
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to execute them at required tempo, play some basic grooves, with soloing, whether its fill ins, or form solo/trading fours, basic sight reading skills, and ability to pick up parts of something heard.
Okay that's drums, whew!
Piano isn't too much different. We will learn sight reading, ear training, piano exercises, scales/patterns, improvisation, and learning songs that cater to the interest of student with introduction of other styles of music. After 3 to 6 months, students should be able to memorize pieces given, sight read basic material, have knowledge of music theory, and learn about different forms of music (binary, sonata, etude,etc.)
For voice, my main focus is technique, including breathing, posture, ear training, style and tone. After 3 or 6 months, students should have a solid repertoire of songs that can be used for auditions. They should be able to recognize pitches within a chord, and be capable of singing major scales, and intervals.
Okay I've babbled enough. If you are ready to sharpen your craft, then let's get started!
Hello, my name is Norman. I teach piano, drums, and voice. I've been performing, recording and composing music for over 20 years. I started playing drums at the age of 1, and professionally at the age of 7, drumming for church choirs, and with my family. At the age of 9, I started studying piano by learning songs by ear. Throughout my childhood I was always singing in school choirs and musicals. It wasn't until I went to high school, that I received formal training in the instruments,
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studying percussion, piano and voice at Central V.P.A High School. After graduating, I attended Webster University, and studied Jazz Percussion, piano and voice, participating in Jazz Singers, New Music Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Combos, and Mini-Big Band. In 2007, I started my Masters in teaching, and am currently working towards the degree.
In my professional career, I've had the privilege of performing in venues such as Powell Symphony Hall, History Museum, Baden Taste Festival, Hyde Park Festival, Juneteenth Festival, various clubs in Saint Louis, as well as many venues across the U.S.
I have also been teaching private lessons and performing with local bands over 10 years.
I play all styles of music, from classical, jazz, country, blues, hip-hop, RnB, Reggae, Rock and am always learning music.
