Apache Junction, AZ Piano Lessons

s, as well as international festival performances and touring in Canada, Norway, Mexico, UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland), and Republic of Ireland. His past teaching and performing experiences have really helped shaped the musician he is today.

Aside from preforming and private lessons, he is the founder of his preschool program Wee Rock Music, serves as adjunct faculty at Mesa Community College, and is the Entertainment Coordinator for Tempe Festival of The Arts. As a writer, his work has been published in Phoenix New Times and Modern Drummer, and his new children's drum book, Wee Beats, Wee Eats, is set for release in 2018. And also is an accomplished DJ.

Benard also co-scored the 2012 feature-length documentary, The Immigration Paradox, with Tobie Milford. Active in the music industry for more than 15 years, Henri is experienced in production, artist management, booking, merchandising, copyright, graphic design, promotions, licensing, teaching, publishing, writing, and live and studio performances.

A life-long learner, Henri is always finding new experiences and new ways to connect with his students, as learning comes just as much from the student as it does the teacher. You can always find him around "the music." 

Henri is endorsed by TJS Custom Drums and Los Cabos Drumsticks.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students who study with me can expect for their guitar, drum kit, percussion, or piano lessons to be top-quality, personalized, and above all, extremely fun sessions that will cater to the students musical backgrounds, interests, and needs. I create extremely organized and specifically focused lessons so that students feel comfortable, not pressured, while learning their craft. The lessons I teach are a combination of developmental sight reading music, learning student chosen songs (depending on ability), inspiring and encouraging creative abilities, warm-up and strengthening exercises, proper techniques, listening for internal hearing, composition dynamics, chords, finger-picking (guitar only) and rudiments (drum kit only).

After 3 months of lessons together, students will have started learning several key elements to becoming an outstanding musician. They will have learned proper form and technique, warm-up/skill-building exercises, to read basic notation, and basic rhythms/rudiments. Guitar/Piano students will be able to play at least one song utilizing both melody and chords. For drum kit/percussion, students should have no problem reading basic drum beats and being able to play through a simple song. With proper, steady practice, most students will achieve much more. I also focus on creative thinking, professionalism, and instrument tuning. Finally, the students will have started to develop a solid level of discipline that is required of any aspiring human being! Remember, "practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent."

*** Studio Equipment ***
Electronic Roland V-Drums, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Casio CTK-800, LP Assorted Percussions, Protools LE, Logic Pro, Korg Electribe, Pioneer XDJ-XR, Music Books

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide drum sticks, guitar, keyboards, percussion instruments, and all developmental material for students to retain and practice.

I expect my students to be providing the necessary musical equipment as well (guitars, drum kits, percussion instruments, piano/keyboard) for private lessons in home. If they do not have these in the home to practice with, the lessons are much less effective for your student.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the following styles of playing:

Rock, Hip - Hop, All Latin, Jazz, Funk, Blues, R and B, Gospel, and Dance. I also have a very good feel for World Music as well. I have a very free-spirit for playing, so I often mesh the above stated styles into a more progressive style of playing. I believe that you must be feeling what you are playing.

I also specialize in DJing, beat programming/sequencing, recording, organizing song-writing/song-structure, musical score, live performance, and professional music marketing. I am able to show you how to use programs such as Logic Pro, Protools LE, Adobe, and Pioneer programs to take your creative abilities to the next level.

I believe that these days, it is imperative for musicians to have four major components in their professional arsenal: 1) Discipline and chops on your instruments (including reading music notation); 2) Know how to successfully market yourself and your music; 3) Know how to properly develop a learning ear to record/produce your songs/tracks as well as for others; and 4) Understand and effectively utilize music production programs.

I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your musical desires. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a music-filled day.

Karen has had training in many instruments, she has had the most training in voice.

As an adult, Karen has sung extensively in church choirs, women's ensembles, and has been a featured vocal soloist at church services, Christian retreats, and women's ministry events. She was extensively involved in vocal music at Grace Community Christian Church, where she was the singer and guitarist leading and teaching songs to women Bible study groups, preschoolers at vacation Bible school, and Kids Praise Club for elementary aged children. For Kids Praise Club, she also taught the children the choreography for the performances. Presently, Karen is a Choir Director for the K-6 Choristers group at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Mesa, AZ., and also taught singing and choreography to the children at VBS at FPC. Karen also had a main roles as Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man in April of 2013, and Mrs. Bucket in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in April, 2014, The Jailer's Daughter in Wind in the Willows, and Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins, Mrs. Darling and a Pirate in Peter Pan, performed by the First Players at FPC. Additionally. Karen is presently a substitute elementary school and music teacher at Grace Christian Academy, Bethany Christian School, and teaches General Music K-12 at Young Disciples Christian Academy part-time.

During Karen's college career, she was a voice major at Mesa Community College (MCC) and Grand Canyon University (GCU). At MCC, she performed in the Sun Valley Chorale (SVC) and Cadence women vocal jazz ensemble. SVC performed classical songs at the Mesa Arts Center, and Cadence performed jazz songs for MCC events. Karen was also involved in musical theater at MCC. Karen was an opera singer at Night at the Opera, and a Broadway singer at Broadway Bound, both at MCC. At GCU, Karen has been in the President Singers, Canyon Singers, Canyon Chorale, and Union Choirs. Canyon Singers were the honor students and ambassadors for GCU who traveled locally and out of state to recruit students for GCU. As a voice major, Karen has had 9 semesters (4 ½ years) of private voice instruction under the tuteladge of Dr. Cathy Hauan at MCC, and Dr. Sheila Corley at GCU. Karen has three degrees from GCU: A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music, a Master's of Education in Reading and Curriculum, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Music is Karens passion and she desires to teach it to all ages and stages of people. Music is the universal language and creates joy and healing in the soul.

Presently, Karen owns her own home music studio called Starshine School of Music in which she teaches piano, voice, and guitar. Karen also teaches Take Lessons music students (an online music student placement company) piano, voice, and guitar in her home. Karen is also an active Mary Kay Consultant.

*** Lesson Details ***
Karen's teaching style is very patient, nurturing, encouraging, and fun-loving. Karen is a teacher who sets loving but firm boundaries and guidelines. She implements structure and organization, but is not overly strict and harsh. She believes in encouraging, loving, and imparting knowledge with her students so that they will maximize their potentiality and their inner musical stars will shine.
Karen teaches piano, voice, guitar, and music theory for beginning through intermediate (for voice she teaches beginning through advanced). The curriculum that Karen uses is varied according to the student's personality and learning level. She uses her vast knowledge and information from her education and past experiences, and also Alfred Essentials of Music Theory, Alfred's Instructional books, Hal Leonard Pro-vocal Series, Faber Piano Adventures for all levels, and other resources. She also uses an assignment lesson plan book so that each student will know her clear objectives, what is expected of them and so that communication is established with the student's parents if the student is under 18. Additionally, Karen uses incentives, a point system, and rewards for self-discipline, consistent practicing, musical accomplishment and growth, and a good attitude.
Karen's students learn and perform remarkably well because of her very loving, organized, and comprehensive teaching style. They progress in amazing ways on a weekly and monthly basis. They look forward to coming to their lessons because they are treated with such respect and care. They know that Karen has such a passion and love for music, which is so contagious and is passed on to them. Therefore, these music lessons are enjoyable and enriching for the teacher and student alike.

*** I have a current Fingerprint Clearance Card

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitar, Kimball piano, CD and cassette players, extensive music literature, Demo and Karaoke CD's.

*** Specialties ***
I have been classically trained as a voice major at college level. However, I have had so much musical experience (singing, and playing guitar and piano) in varied genres including rock and roll, Broadway and theatrical music, country western, Christian contemporary, folk songs, and children's music. I am very familiar with all kinds of music.

cally. I've been told by students that they have learned more from me in 2 lessons then they have working with prior teachers for years.

I earned my BM in Vocal Performance from the distinguished Eastman School of Music. I have earned the Bravo!Scholar and Howard Hanson award as well as first place in the Schubert Club vocal competition. I continue my studies with acclaimed Mezzo-soprano Gail Dubinbaum in Phoenix and I am a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

I've sung all over the united states as well as in Germany and Italy. I performed the role of Frasquita in Phoenix Opera's production of Carmen as well as La Fata Azzurra in "La Bella Dormente nel Bosco" and as Sister Constance in "Dialogues des Carmelites" of which I was acclaimed by reviewers to have "revealed a luminous voice, and sang with ease and spontaneity." I have been a soloist with the St Paul Chamber Orchestra as well as with the Eastman Collegium. This past December I was a featured soloist with the Phoenix Symphony and returned to the Phoenix Opera to perform The Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute as well as worked with the Ohio Light Opera performing the lead roles of Hannah Glawari in "The Merry Widow" and Madame Pompadour in "Madame Pompadour."

I'm equally comfortable with musical theater and have played leading roles in many productions including Marian in "The Music Man," Laurie in Oklahoma, Margy in "State Fair," Rapunzel in "Into the Woods," and Mrs. Gardiner in the premier production of "Pride and Prejudice."

My students have advanced in the Classical Singer National Competition, Arizona Fiesta Chorus Competition, Hot Pipes Competition, and have been accepted to and attended summer programs at distinguished music schools including Westminster College and Eastman School of Music. They also perform with local theaters including Copperstar Theater, Moezart Productions, EVCT and more.

*** Lesson Details ***
Every vocal student will have different talents and struggles and will be at different levels so, I structure my lessons for the individual. However, with every student I focus on teaching correct breathing and healthy vocal use to enhance the natural beauty of the voice.

Overall I have a laid back, humorous personality. I work to help the student achieve their goals whether its to be able to sing better in the shower or to become a professional musician. I offer 2 recitals per year to perform at and often form duets/trio's out of my students. I also offer studio classes for my singers who desire to have more performing experience with immediate encouraging feedback and for my more advanced singers I offer Master classes with guest artists to perform at and attend.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ piano, books, mirror, and seating for parents. Parents can observe if the student is comfortable with that but, I do not allow parents to comment on the student's singing of performance during the lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If they are a voice student they will need a piano, and they will need to purchase their own music and if possible purchase a recording device to record lessons and technique exercises. If they are a flute student, they will need to provide the music, and the instrument. If they are a piano student, obviously they would need a piano and would provide their own music based on my suggestion.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Opera, Operetta, Broadway, and jazz. I also teach pop, rock and country. On the piano and flute I teach classical and contemporary. I do not teach jazz piano or flute.

dents to work, and learn. I introduce learning games and have contests. I also regularly quiz my students. For the younger students I like to inform the parents about what they should be practicing and of any theory exercises they may have for the week. Music is a rewarding and enjoyable passion that I try to pass on to my students.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students should have their own instruments. I will provide the first books, but they will have to provide the books that come after and I will assist them with that.

*** Specialties ***
I've been doing ballet, tap and jazz for 16 years and i taught all of them for about two years. I teach classical piano and violin.

f my students, and creating lesson plans that are designed to meet the specific needs and desires of each individual student. My teaching style ensures that my students not only learn the musicality of the instrument, but have fun while playing.

*** Specialties ***
My personal performance specialties are singing and playing in blues, rock, reggae, folk, and indie/alternative. I have recording and live performance experience in various disciplines and I am also proficient in opera, musical theatre, jazz, and pop. I am an experienced group and private music instructor teaching voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, electric bass, flute, cello, music theory and composition.

errado. She has played hundreds of events including weddings, memorials, private parties, festivals, and church fairs; Kierstyn was also the accompanist for all three choirs at her high school. She was the principal pianist for Northminster Presbyterian Church for four years and rocked the house as the pianist in the ASU Latin Jazz Combo for two.

Kierstyn just graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor's of Music in Composition at Arizona State University. She has studied with James DeMars, Rodney Rogers, and Kotoka Suzuki. Since attending college, she has been commissioned by Ironwood and Imagine Prep high schools, The ASU Barrett Choir, The Phoenix Art Museum, The ASU Art Museum, and Voices for the Voiceless. In 2014, she won the Four Seasons Women's Composers Competition, and her string quintet "The Monarch" was performed in September by their professional orchestra and her score for the play “Poseidon's Regret” received a nomination for a 2016 ariZoni Award!

urrently perform in various venues around the Metro Phoenix area.

I am a very easy going an enthusiastic person that will bring those qualities to every lesson with my students. I have plenty of experience working with Kids working in the music department of the Rosedale Community Center in Detroit Mi.

Regardless of skill level I will teach the basics and progress at the rate as you learn the material. I look forward to helping you reach your goals to become better at any level school band , as a hobby or if you just want to play songs for your friends and family.

I look forward to hearing for you!!

the voice through proper, healthy technique will be challenging but should also be enjoyable.

I am also now offering private piano lessons which I've taught off and on since 2004. My own lessons spanned the four years between eight and twelve and then a year at Belmont University, where I passed piano proficiency as an entering freshman and was able to take privately with a professor trained at Julliard. My theory work from both my undergrad and graduate schooling will allow me to more adequately teach that side of piano performance and I am excited to add piano lessons to what I offer.

s I do.