My name is Carissa. I first began playing the piano when I was 8 years old. As a child, the arts inspired me in so many ways. I wanted to show people how to feel their own souls through the arts the way it made me feel as well. I remember being young listening to Chopin. When I learned how to play his music, I felt as if I were the one creating the passion that the composer felt as he poured his own heart and soul into sound for the people. I also found that in learning piano in such a detailed manner, I could pick up other instruments easily by myself too. I learned and taught a little beginning guitar in my college years as a result.
I studied piano with The California's Music Teachers Association straight through till I graduated high school and went to college. We had yearly exams, recitals, competitions and collaborations. I won several Bach contests and scored very high in all my yearly exams. I decided to go into teaching when I first finished my music lessons. I...

Teaching:
Bob has served as Chairman of the Guitar Department at Duquesne University and also taught Music Theory. He works with young students and aspiring adults teaching Classical Guitar, Rock, Jazz, and Bass. Through a patient, methodical, and encouraging approach, many students have developed their talent and achieved their musical goals while having a lot of fun! Bob has worked as a Church Music Director, sung with Professional Choruses, and has served as special Musical Assistant in Community Theater. He also has played in bands on bass and guitar that feature jazz, rock, and standards. Please listen to the musical examples and video on the TakeLessons website.

Education:
He has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Carnegie-Mellon University and a Masters in Music Theory from Duquesne University. His superb technique and musicianship is a reflection of his instructors which include Jose Tomas, Michael Lorimer, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Jesus...

I am originally a self-taught musician, picking up piano and guitar on my own at the age of 13. In high school, I studied music theory and sound engineering formally, and often helped my fellow students understand their lessons and learn their repertoire. Since then, I have been lucky enough to make music my full-time endeavor, working as a recording engineer and session player for other artists, playing in live bands, and teaching private lessons to students of all ages.

I have a deep love for music in all its forms, and I love to inspire that feeling in others. I strive to teach every student that they are in control of their own musical progress - I can show them the information they need to further understand a topic, but it is up to them to internalize and strengthen that understanding. With this approach, I try to instill a sense of ownership to a student's musical abilities, resulting in a growing interest in learning and mastering their art.

I customize my lessons,...

My name is Kyle and I am a recent graduate from North Carolina State University, where I played piano for several jazz and salsa ensembles. I have been playing guitar for 13 years and piano and other keyboard instruments for 8 years. I perform both as a solo artist and with a band called KinGator, and have been performing since I was 16. Although my focus is in jazz music as well as songwriting, I am also well versed in classical and various contemporary styles on both instruments.

Throughout my college studies I supported myself as both a private music teacher as and as a math/science tutor, so I am very excelled in helping students understand abstract concepts as well as learn good study/practice habits. My experience in tutoring has given me the skills and patience to allow students to grow and become successful.

Learning an instrument can be a challenging endeavor, so I always try to maintain a students motivation by keeping lessons informative as well as fun,...

I have been actively involved in music all my life. I started playing violin over 14 years ago. I never would have expected it to take me where I am today. It has guided me to become a confident, respectful, and creatively evolving adult.

I teach mostly all classical style violin, but do have a few students who take the road less traveled with their instrument. Rock, folk, bluegrass, or church bands are a great way to stay interested in the violin if you don't have an orchestra at your school. It is always fun to play by yourself, but if a student is looking to expand in that direction I am certainly willing to guide them there!

I have played in numerous symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, quartets , trios, and also indie pop bands.

All string arrangements are written by myself and my cello duet partner.

Music is one of the biggest, most important things in my life! I love how music allows me to express myself. A lot of joy is brought to people through music. I strive to change lives for the better through singing and teaching others how to be great singers!

I have been teaching for about 7 years, but performing for 20. As a performer, I believe I am able to provide insight from both teacher's and performer's standpoints. I have been in the same position as my students so I am able to relate.

I was born in Heidelberg, Germany. Due to the fact that both of my parents were in the military, I traveled most of my young life. By elementary school, my family had settled in Fayetteville, NC. I showed an affinity towards music earlier on. I started singing at 3, started playing the clarinet at 11, writing/composing at 12, recording at 15 and arranging at 16. I attended North Carolina Central University and earned my Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Vocal Performance in May 2010. During my tenure, I had the opportunity to work with Branford Marsalis, Joey Calzerrado, Geri Allen, Carmen Lundy, Antonio Hart, and Nnenna Freelon as well as traveled to Toronto, the British Virgin Islands, NY, and Indiana to name a few destinations. I now perform R&B, Jazz, and Hip Hop music locally under the moniker "Coey Rochele" and write/arrange for special events and other local artist. I am now pursuing my Master in Music in Jazz Arranging and Composition. I focus on giving my student tools...

My dad is an amazing pianist, so I've always lived in a musical household. I began playing drums at age 6 and gradually began writing my own music on piano and guitar. I studied Jazz Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Jazz Drum Set & Piano. Then I spent 7 years in Austin, TX, where I got my real education in the music business. Around 2007 I started teaching lessons to supplement my work performing. My wife and I moved to Durham in 2011, and I quickly began teaching in-home (yours or mine) private and group lessons. I also teach lessons in the Raleigh area through Sam Ash Music.

I am not only a Grammy winning musician with over 15 years of touring and recording experience, but also a classically trained performer and instructor. I teach various instruments covering all styles and levels and believe in making your learning experience fun and interesting.

Music and the adventure in learning music has been my life's greatest experience. As I travel on that journey, the greatest thing is being an instructor and having the opportunity of taking my students along and sharing the gift of music and feeling the joy of discovery as we play, perform, compose and whatever other elements of music that come before us as we advance towards our goals.

I invite you to hop on board, buckle up and get ready for one of the greatest rides life has to offer.