Mesa Music Lessons

e basic course of piano lessons in 6 months.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Roland digital piano keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I travel to student's place.

*** Specialties ***
Western Classical

ils ***
I put my focus on inspiring students to explore their own creativity with the tools and techniques that I give to them and nurture.
I think it is very important to cover the basic skills that the school districts expect from their music students (sight reading, proper technique, note recognition, rudiments, timing, feel, etc.).
I also feel it is important for a student to find his or her style and an ability to use the fundamentals to create music that they enjoy.
He has written a method book based on the fundamentals of playing a rhythmic instrument with an emphasis on allowing the student to find their niche and lead a group through a piece of music or tastefully support it.

My studios are fully equipped with sound systems, the latest recording gear, acoustic and electric sets, hand drums and dozens of other percussion instruments. I believe that the more resources a person can draw from, be it intellectual or physical, the more fulfilling the learning experience will be.

Each lesson, my students will take at least a page of music that represents the concept that they are focusing on, and a goal set to accomplish by the end of the week so that they can build upon what they already know in an effort to put the big picture together. Ultimately the student will learn when and how to utilize the concepts that they are practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A Yamaha electronic drum set in my Mesa Studio allows me to control volume and dial up any sound imaginable. I have full acoustic drum sets in other studios that I use for recording and private lessons. Often I will integrate guitar, keyboard, or other instruments in to the lessons if needed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Sticks, Practice Pad, tuning kit, binder and books with teaching supplements.

*** Specialties ***
Music, Drums, Percussion, Theory, Composition, Piano and Guitar.
Drummers should be well versed in all genres of music. Rock, Jazz, Latin, Swing, etc.
Most of my students begin with concert and marching styles on a practice pad, then advance to the drum set.
I teach note recognition and placement, rudiments, linear playing, moeller method, rhythm theory, sub-division of notes and time, and the sight-reading to support these techniques.

pare choir & solo songs for upcoming concerts, gain entrance into college voice programs, learn how to "belt" properly without strain, or simply perfect their favorite karaoke songs!

I only work with students ages 12+ in my home studio because I believe that children under age 12 receive the most benefit by singing in a choir with their peers, rather than taking private lessons for their young, under-developed voices. Better instrument options for younger kids are piano, violin, or guitar, which require finger coordination and theory comprehension in order to sound good (singing just doesn't). I assign music theory homework to all my students, as being able to read music well is essential to becoming a well-rounded, independent musician (yes, singers are musicians, too!).

I also very much enjoy working with adults of all ages, and specialize in rehabilitating voices struggling from harmful vocal habits by finding & using their "resonant voice." I believe that a strong foundation in technique not only makes singing in any genre possible, but also ensures healthy singing habits for life!

graduate, go to College and to be accepted at demanding schools like law and medicine. Music is a great way to maintain your mental skills and flexibility, explore different times, cultures and styles.

I AM A:
- An experienced teacher (since 1983) with typically up to 55 private lessons weekly.
- An experienced and successful teacher in working with a wide range of disabilities.
- Professional Pianist (since 1981).
- Nationally Certified Piano Teacher with MTNA.
- Certified teacher in all levels of Kindermusik (14 years).
- Certified teacher of Orff-Schuelwerk (2004).
- Experienced teacher in working with a wide variety of disabilities.
- Teacher (was) for the pioneering studies on music and brain development at UC Irvine.
- Founder of the Empire Music Teachers Association.
- Was District IV Coordinator for the California MTA (5 years).

WHAT IS A TYPICAL LESSON LIKE?
- Arrive and get your things out
- Warm-ups: trills, scales, 5 finger patterns, thirds, octaves, etc.
- Did you have trouble on your assignments this week? If so, we'll go directly to that.
- Demonstration of all pieces while working on any problems
- Assignment and demonstration, practice and special directions for each piece.
- Theory check and new assignment. Complete as needed.
- As time permits, review of flashcards, ear training and so forth.
- Music Lab (either before or after the lesson as fits in with the students around you) - 15-20 minutes of independent study: musical computer games to support what we are working on, read books about music, composers, music history and so forth, listen to music as supports what we are working on, complete any missed theory assignments, review of flashcards if needed.

WHO AM I?
I am Karen. I love Music! My family has always incorporated music into our lives. Some of my earliest memories are being danced around in my Mom’s arms and listening to her sing. I began formal lessons on the Piano when I was 7 years old. Growing up also I sang in the Church Choirs, played on Hand Bells, and explored the Flute. I spent a formal year each on Trumpet, Drums and Harpsichord and am currently working on learning Zither, Autoharp, Dulcimer, and Soprano & Alto Recorders, and sometimes the guitar (when I have a chance). Of course, I also regularly read and attend lectures, conferences, seminars and master classes to always improve my teaching skills. I have been teaching piano and music theory for over 31 years in this area and have played professionally. I am a member in good standing with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was with the California Association of Music Teachers (CAPMT), Empire Music Teachers Association (EMTA), the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the Suzuki Association of North America, the National & the Inland Empire Kodaly-Orff Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy – I have not hooked up here yet. I am a fully certified and licensed teacher of Kindermusik and Musikgarten and have earned National Certification (NCTM) through the MTNA and have earned Level I & II (out of 3) in Orff-Scheulwerk. I was District IV Coordinator for CAPMT, and Vice President then President of the EMTA. I keep busy and love teaching!

WHAT DO WE DO HERE?
I try hard to present students with a solid, broad based approach with an emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of musical comprehension, music reading, musical memory, and ear development. These are essential to playing and enjoyment of any instrument! To this end we cover theory, music history, performance, technique and practical application. These basics are supplemented and reinforced by the monthly group sessions, several annual field trips, access to regional, state and national music competitions and performances, as well as the formal Student Evaluations each Spring. I have a full music lab, an extensive library of music and music reference materials and up to date postings on local free or low cost musical events While I tend to emphasize classical music and technique, we will also cover a wide range of music in various meters and modalities: classical, popular and world music in solos and duets. Supplementary books are available: holiday, religious, popular, classical, music from specific times, places, composers, movies... or whatever the student wishes, when they are ready. My personal goal is not to have a studio full of competition performers. A few are always nice of course, but the average student just wants to be able to make music - to make it sing. I DO want them to understand, appreciate, and be able to pick up something and figure it out - or apply what they know to another instrument. Once music is part of a life, it never leaves; it is the one universal language.

Call Today!

Warmly,
Karen A Magruder, NCTM

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.

lid foundation, and have a great time in the process, then you just found your drum teacher. :-)

LESSONS
I tailor lessons to the student's interests and ability, but in general we'll spend time on technique, reading music, playing music, recording music, developing good meter and groove.

to study, you’ve come to the right place. I have flexible availability and can advise in the purchase of new or upgraded equipment. I invite you to try a lesson with me, there’s no obligation to commit to any more than you’re ready for. Whether you’re 5 or 75, I have the prowess and comprehension to help you achieve your music goals, whatever they may be.

sons my most favorite part is when the student finally understands and their gift is what it was meant to be. I love people and will always do my best to encourage positively. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your goals.