Arcadia, IN Music Theory Lessons

a lot. I just believe if it starts to not be fun, what's the point? Music isn't just about perfect theory and note placement it's about enjoyment. That's why I tailor make every lesson specifically based on my student's goals. I have students that like a more traditional approach so I use standard method books with them. I also have students that want to learn how to play by ear so we use a less traditional method and I teach them chord structures and how to move around easily on their instrument. My favorite thing to teach is vocal lessons but I love teaching piano and guitar also.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught on an upright piano or acoustic/electric guitar. Student should bring own guitar. No pets. Waiting room out front for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I've performed at Carnegie Hall and I've had the opportunity to work with world renowned vocal coaches. I offer that as well as techniques that I've developed to help you reach your goals quickly and with great skill !

As a student taking lessons with me, I will always put your desires as a musician first, and consider them to be the most important factor in guiding the progress of your lessons. While I will make basic assignments for you to practice for your next lesson, I am always open to including music that you would like to learn. If there is a particular style of music that you would like to study, or even a particular piece of music that you want to learn, please feel free to mention that to me, and I will do my best to find that music to add to your lessons. If at any time you have questions, requests, or comments, please either mention them to me at the lessons, or contact me by phone, text, or email.
I look forward to meeting you, talking with you about your desires and aspirations as a musician, and to guiding you and helping you to reach your goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
I will work with you to find the most convenient time for your lessons. Lessons are given in my home studio. While there will be basic material you will need to learn proficiently, you will be free to select the style of music you wish to study. I always tailor the lessons to suit the student's desires and aspirations as a musician.

*** Studio Equipment ***
office/studio space for lessons; spinet piano; electronic equipment available to play cassettes, CDs, videos, and DVDs either from my own library or yours to assist and/or augment the lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
My piano students are expected to own either a 3-4 octave keyboard, or an acoustic piano. I can give you guidance regarding specific details you need to look for when you purchase an acoustic piano or a keyboard. I do not recommend specific manufacturer names. You will also be required to purchase any necessary materials (books, flashcards, etc.). I provide supplemental materials (teaching games, etc.).

*** Specialties ***
I use a variety of methods, mostly based on the goals of the students. For piano students, I prefer the Bastien Piano Basics method books. For voice student, I use a combination of methods developed by several different voice instructors.

sic 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

lly Middle School and Paige's Music. Through the years I have learned to adjust my teaching technique to match each individual, whether it be the music difficulty, learning pace, or musical genre preference. I have taught trumpet students of all ages and abilities, as well as beginning and intermediate piano and french horn. I look forward to helping you make beautiful music on your instrument!

My teaching philosophy

Private lessons are a one on one experience that give students guidance on their specific musical needs. Rather than only working on pieces for un upcoming audition or competition, I emphasize working on a variety of repertoire that will improve all aspects of one’s musicianship. Lessons are not a weekly practice or coaching session, but rather a time for me to help students with what they have already been practicing. More specifically, I help with embouchure formation, tone production, note reading, practice technique, musical phrasing, breathing, performance anxiety, rhythm, music theory, bad habits, or anything that will help the student make better music in the long term. I also frequently provide musical examples and inspiration by playing for my students.

Lesson Policies

Students are required to practice a minimum of fifteen to forty-five minutes per day (depending on the student’s age), six days per week.

Students are responsible for purchasing their own lesson materials, such as books, valve oil, metronome, etc. Piano students must also have a well maintained piano to practice on. High quality electric keyboards with 88 keys, weighted and touch sensitive, are acceptable.

I have a 24-hour lesson rescheduling policy. If a student fails to provide notice via phone, text or email at least 24 hours prior to the starting time of the lesson, or misses a lesson unannounced, they will be charged for the full lesson cost. If adequate notification is given, the lesson will be made up at a later date. Lessons MAY NOT BE MISSED WITHOUT MAKEUP. I do, however, allow students to miss lessons without makeup during the months of November (up to one lesson), December and August (up to two lessons each month) and July (no limit), and one lesson for spring break.

With rare exception, all of my students take weekly lessons. Students who keep a regular, weekly schedule improve at a far better pace than those who miss frequently.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Baldwin upright piano
Clavinova keyboard with weighted keys

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide no equipment

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical, jazz, and commercial, having experience in all three areas. I teach a lot of ear training and music theory regardless of the instrument.

Philharmonic, Portland Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, Cincinnati Philharmonia, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, New York Youth Symphony, UCLA Philharmonia, New York Women in Music Festival Orchestra, Genovian Philharmonia, Cincinnati Concert Orchestra, Oistrach Symphony Orchestra, Bard Conservatory Orchestra, and Eastman Philharmonia.

David has collaborated with conductors such as Sir Roger Norrington, Michael Tilson Thomas, Helmuth Rilling, JoAnn Falletta, Gustav Meier, Kenneth Kiesler, Leon Botstein, Cliff Colnot, Jorge Mester, Kirk Trevor, David Effron, David Loebel, Mark Gibson, Markand Thakar, Apo Hsu, Jeffrey Meyer, and Donald Schleicher.

Born in Germany, David began his musical studies at St. Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, Scotland where he studied trumpet with Marcus Pope and piano with John Cameron. In 2005, David accepted a scholarship to study trumpet at Eastman School of Music with James Thompson and orchestral conducting with Brad Lubman. David also holds an MM in Orchestral Conducting from Bard Conservatory of Music where he studied with esteemed mentor Harold Farberman. David has been the recipient of several prestigious scholarships including the Howard Hanson Scholarship, Dewar Arts Awards Grant, Bagby Foundation Grant, Hope Scott Trust Grant, and Bard Conducting Scholarship among others.

Performances on trumpet with over one hundred ensembles include: Meadows Chamber Orchestra, Edinburgh Symphony Baroque Orchestra, Brighton Symphony Orchestra, Edinburgh Grand Opera Company, Ossia, Musica Nova, Riverdale Choral Society, Lansdowne Symphony, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Eastman Wind Ensemble, Opera & Philharmonia, National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, and the Lowland Band of the Scottish Division. David has performed in trumpet masterclasses for Niklas Eklund, Mark Gould, Patrick Addinall, John Gracie, Robert Early, John Kenny, Todd J. Hastings, Angela Whelan, Marc O'Keefe, and James Chamberlain.

Live radio broadcasts include WXXI in the Live from Hochstein Concert Series and special appearances have included performing the American National Anthem at the Edinburgh celebrations marking the 229th anniversary of American Independence at the invitation of American Ambassador Cecile Shea and two invitations to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace. In 2005 David was awarded 1st place in the prestigious Scottish Concerto Competition.

aduated high school, he has been continuously presented with teaching opportunities. At the time, though, music was not looking like the best course of action for him. With the aid of Chad Kohler, Alex then began getting more involved with teaching percussion. Alex eventually went on to arranging his own parts for his students, as well as composing original percussion ensemble pieces. Alex is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Music Technology at IUPUI.

In the time since he has been out of high school, he has taught at a number of schools including the Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center, North Putnam Jr./Sr. High School, Broad Ripple Magnet School for the Arts & Humanities, and Lawrence Central. He has also taught at Arlington High School and Short Ridge High School.

When it comes to teaching music, what is known to be as the “Holy Trinity” comes to mind. While teaching I personally believe that it is important to challenge students just enough so that they are not discouraged and are still able to have fun.

The Holy Trinity plays a big role in this. What it consists of is embracing your students from all angles. This would be from ensembles and private lessons, which in turn then encourage them to practice. Ensemble, private lessons, and practicing are the three main categories that make up the “Holy Trinity.” And in using this, you can also be more involved with your students as well. It is always a good idea be friend your students as well and not just be the “teacher.” There is a great quote that goes like this, “They will never care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.” In which case has been proven to be very true time and time again.

It is important as a teacher to be able to inspire your students and to encourage them. Which is why I think it is important to be a good friend as well to your students. This way a kind of trust is formed and in turn can easily lead to the success of a music program. Also I do believe that it is important to expose students to as many forms of music as possible. This way they are not just stuck in one kind of mind set and if they choose to go into music for their career, then they have many different experiences they can pull and relate from. Plus they will also have some more knowledge of different cultures and music genres that can help not only create better music but also be more overall worldly in their personal life out side of music. Being able to learn about music is very important, and can easily impact a student’s life in many different ways that most subjects just do not have the capability to. This is what I believe about learning music and why I also love to teach it. I want my students to be able to have all the same great experiences I have had and more. Which is why I personally believe so heavily in a good music education.

*** Lesson Details ***
Although the approach to teaching that I use comes across as being pretty laid back, I do expect what some might consider to be a lot out of my students. This is because I want to make sure that my students will be successful as musicians.

While a student is studying with me; they will learn about percussion from multiple angles. They will learn and be able to understand many basic music theory terms and principles. They will also learn how each percussion instrument is tied to one another in technique and how to easily transition from instrument to instrument.

Depending on the age of the student, after about three months of studying with me, the student will know a few major scales, most of the standard American rudiments, and some basic drum set concepts. After 6 months, the student will know all 12 major scales, be familiar with all 40 snare drum rudiments, and know a good portion of basic drum set.

Please keep in mind that results may vary depending on the age of the student and the amount of practicing they do on their own. Results also depend upon whether or not they are practicing correctly, which is something they will also learn how to do with me.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In-studio lessons in basement with acoustic drum set. Street parking or drive way. Seating available for parents.

Lessons at the High School will be in the band room with their equipment.

*** Specialties ***
I mostly specialize in marching percussion as well as 2 and 4 mallet percussion.

h me, each lesson starts with an assessment. Then, we start with where you are at that moment and push your technique to the next level. Afterwards, I will send you an email with notes from the lesson and your homework.

My goal is cultivate your technique and discipline to take you to the next level of your performance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Digital piano
-Large mirror (to see your technique)
-Sound-proof practice room
-Parking

*** Travel Equipment ***
Digital piano for in-home voice lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Beginner voice for non-singers, new singers, or singers that have been out of the game for a while.

Audition prep for both film/stage acting and singing auditions. (Great results!)

rtist I frequently take trips to Nashville for co-writing, recording, and meeting with record labels. I have written with well-known writers like Mia Fieldes from Hillsong, Tony Wood from Provident Label Group, Stu G from Delirious?, and Jon Steingard from Hawk Nelson. I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic songwriters.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!