Piano with Todd L.

Music is my life, and is something that I want to share with others! Because of that, I try my best to give positive experiences to all of my students. I have a byline that says "Music is Much More than Just Learning Notes." I believe that! Anyone can learn notes, fingerings, etc. What I try to do is add that "soul" element that each person has and cultivate that into meaningful music! So, with all that said, here's what I try to instill: A lesson is a place to share! I listen to students as well as teach. We all have something we can learn from each other! While I want lessons to be fun and informative, I strive for complete understanding, which means any student will gain the needed mechanics with complete knowledge of why things happen and what they do to and for music. From there, I attempt to teach the "soul" of music and how emotion and spirit play a huge part in memorable music. I don't believe in brow-beating, but I also don't want to pass over things. I don't believe practice makes perfect, but I do believe practice increases awareness! I really try hard to help students move beyond the notes on the page. We may listen to music and describe how it makes us feel, or paint pictures both physical and mental of what the music is showing us. That is where I see the soul stepping in. My Education As stated before, I started on a little Magnus Organ. My grandmother told me years later that I would listen to television jingles and then try to play them on the organ! Once we settled in our permanent home, my parents brought home a piano and I began working first with Robert Warnick, a local music teacher in the schools. He taught scales and chords. Then, Midge Bishop took me through John Thompson Grade 3, but then had to move away. Finally, I studied under Victoria Hope, lasting 13 years until I went on to college. She taught me the fine art of piano by continually challenging me to approach each piece as an artwork. She had me use the music to paint the picture. Naturally, the element of the soul came through as I put color to music. My Experience Throughout my elementary through high school days, I immersed myself in band, choir and drama. I played piano at church starting very young. I then began trombone in the band during 4th grade. Upon entering high school, I joined choir and participated in marching band, concert band, pep band and jazz band. During those years, I picked up the rest of the brass instruments as needed by my band director. In choir, I excelled both in voice and on piano through accompaniment. Later in high school, I joined up with the drama department where we ultimately had the opportunity to write our own musical. By the time I entered college, I had mastered all the brass instruments, piano and snare drum. During college, I participated in the marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band, pep band, trombone choir, several pit orchestras, and the symphony orchestra. I also participated in the choir. Since that time, I have mastered the woodwinds, organ, drum set guitar and bass guitar and a little violin. I have over 25 years experience teaching lessons. They occurred off and on throughout my younger days. Subjects Taught Private lessons on all instruments and voices, Music Theory, Music History, Art History, Architectural History, Acting, set building, lighting and sound. Specialties Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Voice, alto and tenor saxophone, percussion Formal Education 1984-89 Bachelor of Science in K-12 Music Education (Choral, Instrumental and General) Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 1991-95 Master of Divinity in Theology and Ministry Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana Ages Taught 5 through 114 (I haven't seen anyone older, have you?) I believe it is a good idea that a child can read the written word. Reading music occurs in similar ways. *** Lesson Details *** I ask lots of questions so I can get to know you better. This is also an opportunity for you ask questions of me. At the beginning, I encourage parents to attend so they can see what these lessons entail. I give you assignments to work with and then you play them for me to receive praise and constructive suggestions. I also try to challenge my students to move beyond the normal curriculum to play other things that interest them. Depending on the instrument and the experience you have helps me determine what curriculum I want to use. Again, I cater my lessons to the needs you have and by how you like to learn! After 3 to 6 mos, I hope you have a good working knowledge of how music works and are now moving into intermediate level work. However, each student is different and work a different speeds. My main goal is for you to feel successful whenever you leave my studio! *** Studio Equipment *** Baby Grand Piano, electronic Keyboard, Drum Set, Snare Drum