Kailua, HI Music Theory Lessons

Instruction in musical terminology, structure, historical context and more!

A thorough understanding of music theory is essential for any student who wants to reach their full potential as a musician. Lesson plans are tailored to fit the student's specific intentions, whether you just want a basic understanding of core concepts or you're preparing for college auditions. Subjects range from early classical foundations to serialism and modern music and even contemporary pop. Theory concepts are applied to the student's instrument as well. All ranges of skill level are welcomed.

I started out as an opera singer and eventually went on to play the harp, guitar, ukulele, and have experimented with many other instruments by ear. Having over 20 years experience as a musician, I have had a natural inclination to play music by hearing it and repeating what I've heard--adding my own flavor into the mix as I've progressed. However, it wasn't until I spent time sight reading and dedicated many years of practice to implementing music theory into my training that I began to blossom. Learning music theory has opened doors of insight into the amazing structure and genius of music that I now use to strengthen my musical experiences, no matter what instrument I play or song I sing. I have a great enthusiasm for music theory, and that passion has lead me to learn not only Western theory, but also many systems of music theory from around the world. My great love for this topic is infused into every lesson I teach.

You can expect from our lessons a thorough and structured ...

We will cover theory concepts ranging from music reading to harmonic progressions and basic analysis. The goal will be to understand music with more depth, ultimately improving performance practice as well as the understanding of music as a whole.

Through the foundation I've gained by the influences of Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, and Suzuki musical instruction methods, I compile my own teaching materials. Using personally constructed guitar lessons, I demonstrate, instruct, and guide the student based on my assessment of their individual needs, skill level, and progress. Lessons are formulated in Modules, and advancement through them is based on the student's personal aptitude, skill level, and practice commitment. Learning is accomplished by ear as well as through essential methods of musical notation (tablature, 5-line staff, rhythmic comprehension). Students are trained to perform written music as well as to write and express the music within themselves.
I'm an encouraging and motivating guitar teacher with a casual relaxed approach. Teaching new guitarists is very rewarding to me. To see the light come on and watch a student perform a song, express themselves musically, and create their own composition is an awesome experience.

I can teach you functional music theory that will allow you to create more interesting songs.

I'm passionate about helping students overcome their musical hurdles, both professional and recreational.

I particularly enjoy working with musicians who have studied scales and chords but are frustrated in their efforts to use them to make great music.

Other areas of focus:
• Improvising over chord changes
• Internalizing advanced harmony
• Fluency in the many idioms of jazz, funk & blues
• Phrasing
• Saxophone technique
• Efficient practicing for a busy lifestyle