Hawthorne Music Lessons

atles, U2, Paul Simon, Tori Amos, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, and B-52's.

*** Lesson Details ***
For beginners, I generally use the Bastien Beginner series starting at the Primer Level and going through to Level Four. Depending on the student, going through the beginner level can take anywhere from four to six years. I use a lesson book, supplemental song book which features concepts learned, and a Theory book for written homework. Within 3-6 months, starting at the Primer Level, student will be reading notes on the musical staff and playing short pieces with both hand together.

Intermediate level students work on repetoire pieces from classical, ragtime, modern, jazz and popular music.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need to have a piano or keyboard in their home

I am thoroughly background checked every year and work with local after school programs in the area.

ic games with them to help them memorize notes on the staff and rhythms. I also try to find out what music they like, and find music or write music that they would enjoy learning to play.

When I was in high school I decided I wanted to major in music at college and began working toward that goal. I won a piano accompaniment scholarship at Northeast Missouri State University ( now called Truman State University), and there I majored in music education. Piano was my main instrument, and flute was my secondary instrument. I played my flute in marching and concert band, accompanied many different soloists on the piano as well as our show choir, and sang in the acapella choir. I have been playing and performing ever since! Now I teach a children's choir at my church, play the flute in our church orchestra, and play in the Gainesville Flute choir. I enjoy teaching both the piano and the flute to young and old alike! I would love to share my joy of music with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Our lessons will be a time of fun and creative ways to learn to play the music that you love! Our first lesson we will talk about your goals, and then I will recommend music methods based on those goals.

I tailor the lessons to fit each child or adults individual needs and wants. I use flashcards and play games to help you to learn your music facts, and also use a music theory book to help you learn basic music symbols and notes.

By about 6 months, you will be able to play simple pieces, be able to keep a steady beat, and know the notes on both the bass and treble clefs. At this point, I will recommend some easy solo books based on the music you would most like to play. Or if you have some favorite songs you would like to learn, I will write out the melody with a simple chord accompaniment in the left hand for you to play. You will continue to progress through the piano method levels, and we will continue to add different elements to your lessons, such as learning scales and how to play different styles of music.

I want our lessons to be fun and interesting for you, so I will do my best to help you find the music that you will enjoy playing!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room, piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to have their own instrument or piano/full size keyboard. I can get their music books, but would like to be reimbursed for them. I will bring my own metronome/tuner, and if they don't have their own stand, I will bring one with me.

*** Specialties ***
I have used the Bastien method and Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber for Piano. I have used Trevor Wye for teaching flute.

) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

ter teacher, and means that I only retain students who really want to progress.

I have been a drummer/percussionist in the Indianapolis music scene for nearly forty years. I regularly perform with the top players in many different genres and have played and recorded in a wide variety of venues and musical situations. In addition to playing my first instrument: the drum set. I also perform on various instruments, including: steel pan, vibraphone, and congas. I have extensive experience as a teacher beginning 30 years ago teaching at IRC music and Carmel Music Center.

My music education followed the classic route of mentoring under a local expert while working professionally. I studied for 16 years with Charles Mastropaolo (drummer for the Ed Sullivan show, and local jazz great) and was trained by him in improvisation, rudimental drumming, score reading/interpretation, Latin drumming, vibraphone, and performing all styles on the drum set. I have also been a member of the vibraphone workshop online teaching community for nine years. As a member, I have been able to further my education on all mallet instruments by online lessons with some of the top vibraphone players in the world.
I look forward to working with you!

y listening to it). This is how I learn most music and it is, in my opinion, the most enjoyable way to play.

If your interested in a customized approach to Improving your skills or even if you've never touched an instrument before, I'm excited to help you get to wherever it is you want to be as a musician. Feel free to contact me and we'll get started!

that wants to increase your skill level my mentorship program can teach you the skills you need to improve your playing and reach your goals.

fe with substantial academic training and work, I truly value learning music alongside a well-rounded education, as I believe that music is the quintessential liberal art. Just on its own, learning to play an instrument requires discipline, focused attention, and hard work. With the combination of a strong education, students can understand not only how to execute what is on the page in front of them, but understand music in context and have the ability to understand what music can communicate to others and themselves. For this reason, I incorporate academic components like music theory, composer biographies, contextual history, philosophy, and literature in ways that are accessible and fun to learn at all ages. I hope to build up students who not only improve their playing, but acquire skill sets that make them smarter and carry over into all aspects of their lives.

cipant in the Young Artist World Piano Festival for 4 years. He has had masterclasses with artists including Nelita True, Marina Lomazov, Boris Slutsky, and Eugene Pridonoff. Jonathan has taught piano lessons at the Rochester Academy of Music, as well as through the Piano Without Borders program in Kansas.