Lenexa Music Lessons

I studied: Alto, tenor and bass saxophone, clarinet, flute,and piano before I left high school. My band instructor and his wife gave me a wonderful opportunity to play in the Stage band in high school along with a special band during the summer. Their guidance and encouragement lead me into a wonderful College where I studied music. In 1970, I graduated from Adams State College now (Adam's State University) in Alamosa Colorado in 1974 with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to make it enjoyable for everyone and hopefully they learn and acquire the needed skills quickly in the process. I believe it takes a lot of positive reinforcement and repetitive motions to learn anything physical. Each person is different as is the speed they learn at, it all depends on a positive attitude and there dedication to try to do their best. The trick to learning is making it fun and wanting to keep doing it.

At first I introduce each student to various types of music. This helps them to recognize a rhythm, or understand alternatives to a difficult fingering. This helps with at home practicing, never let them get bored and not challenged.. I will be adding new music all the time for them to try. If there is something specific you really want to learn, I will help you with it. I will do my best to make sure that the piece is at your learning level or below. My goal is for them to succeed and not get frustrated in the process. Remember we can always use it later if it isn't just right for you now. .

I think sight-reading is very important. It develops a personal ability to read music (it pushes you to learn rhythm and note identification quickly) and this in turns builds more confidence in what you are doing. Now if we add duets to it, this will be even make more interesting and enjoyable. Usually the first time it seems hard, but we will take it slow and before long it becomes something that the student will look forward to. Reading music is the key to learning and enjoying music. Once this is done the student has had time to hear and beginning to explore. This is when a new and creative part begins with improvisation and learning to make your own music.It is simply waiting for your exploration.

The student will progress as fast or slow as they want. It all depends on how comfortable they are after each lesson. I will either assign a new lesson or use the last with something new to help you gain a better understanding of what was being taught and something new to learn each week. Each week will be different, and never the same unless that is what you want!

The student is asked to buy a lesson book for their instrument. A 3 ring binder with plastic inserts is also an excellent addition. to add the supplemental material that always seems to get lost somewhere? This book becomes part of your repertoire, maybe it will become your most valued and loved memories of how far you have gone.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Please bring your own instrument for your lessons, unless it is a piano :) I have a studio piano to give lessons on. Music lesson book is available for purchase for students individual instrument. I will furnish stands for the lessons.

There is parking and parents are welcome and encouraged to come in and join in the lesson or just wait, listen and watch. Its up to you,

*** Travel Equipment ***
Bring your books and instrument and stand if outside the studio.

*** Specialties ***
I have worked with special need students, along with the gifted students. Every student has to be taught differently.
This is one thing I have had to learned to do with 40+ years of teaching and raising my own children and grandchildren.

I have played all genres of music at one time or another, but my favorite is playing in a old style swing Band. There is nothing sweeter than a good old dance band with swing and blues. I have far more training and exposure on the woodwind instruments because of my background, but will teach the others instruments gladly. Music is a gift that needs to be shared with generation to generation..

ny more. Let me help you learn to play the piano with excellence and have a lot of fun in the process!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to have a teaching environment that is professional and conducive to learning. My lessons include instruction in theory, technique and exposure to a variety of musical styles. Beginners will learn to play songs within 3 months time and gradually expand their repertoires to include more difficult piano pieces!

Beginning students are taught fundamental skills that apply to all piano players such as scales and arpeggios. Hanon exercises are used and chromatic scales are learned as well. I use Alfred teaching materials but not exclusively.

I encourage students to find their own favorites to play and lessons are tailored to meet the goals of the student. If your desire is to become a classical pianist, we concentrate on works of the masters. If you are wanting to improvise with a jazz band, we work toward ear training with the jazz greats! If you would like to play in a church worship service, we will focus our attention on service playing and playing worship songs by ear, too.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Den: upright, couch and recliner, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Specialties ***
Classical and church music

uch as Queen Elizabeth Hall, St. John’s Smith Square and Somerset House. I sing at Lyric Opera of Kansas City where I have appeared in over 90 productions. Upcoming: Mozart: Magic Flute, November 9-17, 2013 and Puccini: La Bohème, March 15-23, 2014   I also sing professionally at Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Kansas City. Whether you are seeking coaching on technique, Broadway, Opera or the American Songbook, I would be happy to work with you to realize your full potential. I get excited about helping students become good performers! Let me help you become the best musician you can be, IN PERSON or ONLINE!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with a great sense of humor. You will also learn a lot of music theory and music history from me! My lessons begin with some training in reading music (Music Theory) and I suggest that you purchase Alfred's Music Theory Volume One or Two depending on your level of understanding.

After refreshing your music reading and rhythm skills, we will listen to you sing and begin to vocalize. I will develop exercises just for you, to help you develop your voice, making it stronger and more flexible.

When you have warmed up your voice with vocal exercises, we will work together on the music you wish to learn. It could be a song, an aria, a Broadway or Opera aria, or a religious piece.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Large 30 foot living room with two pianos, music stands, keyboard, couches, seating area.
Mac computer, multiple cameras and great sound system.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Bel Canto (beautiful voice) style, operatic singing, Broadway style, Art Songs (Lieder in French, German and Italian.)

g, weight lifting, history, traveling, movies and web design. Fun teacher who loves to help others learn to play an instrument.  

*** Lesson Details ***
Instructor teaches both drums and guitar, depending on the student. This is unique because if you're studying drums, the teacher plays along on guitar. If you're studying guitar,the teacher can play along on the drums. In this way you learn to play in a band rather than just learning to play an instrument. Most importantly, it's fun!The focus for new students is to quickly teach them to perform in a band. For beginning guitarists, this means learning power chords, simple songs, and 2 scales, eventually progressing to more advanced songs and techniques. Most beginning drum students start by learning basic rock beats, and songs, eventually progressing to advanced fills, techniques and styles. Lessons are geared to the individual student's interests and abilities as well. For instance, percussion students sometimes focus on marching percussion techniques, jazz band skills, etc.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ludwig s/l series drums, and Zildjian cymbals. Fender stratocaster electric guitar, Carvin all tube amp and Peavy trans-tube amp. Seagull acoustic guitar, handmade in Canada.  

*** Travel Equipment ***
Instructor provides drum-sticks, mallets, a practice pad, and/or guitar and amp if applicable. If student is taking drum/percussion lessons, they need to have their own snare drum and /or drum-set and sticks. For guitar lessons, they need to have their own guitar and picks.

*** Specialties ***
Many years of experience in jazz and rock drumming. Many years of experience in marching percussion. Additional skills in country, blues and Latin drumming.

I also play and teach rock and folk guitar.

Ed Feltman
"Brad worked as a drum teacher for my son from the ages from 11-16. Brad encouraged by son day by day at each lesson, the encouragement resulted in the constant addition of new skills and great competence, Brad encouraged him to play in many different styles and situations and provided opportunities that allowed him to stretch himself out of his comfort zone in many situations. In outside situations my son was not required to "try out" due to his well-known skills."

"I would recommend Brad's teaching expertise to anyone interested in learning drums or continuing to expand their skills."

Kim Wheeler
"Brad started teaching our 11 year old son the guitar about 2 years ago. He offers reasonable rates and flexible scheduling. Our son was enthusiastic about music but discouraged after taking piano lessons and feeling like it was a chore. Within 3 months of taking guitar lessons with Brad, he had learned the power cords and could play over 5 songs by ear. Brad s method of teaching emphasizes learning the basics and immediately applying it to playing music a young student recognizes and can grasp. He understood that just learning notes in a book would not keep a young man s attention long, and instead emphasized learning cords by sound and developing good fingering and hand/eye coordination on the instrument. Brad emphasizes positive encouragement while adding layers that pushes our son s learning a little bit further with each lesson. After 2 years, our son can play a portfolio of songs including the solos, he s performed in school talent shows and he s learning to read music on the page just in time for school band. We couldn t be happier with our son s progress thanks to Brad s measurable teaching abilities."

ssons to coaching to masterclasses, I cater to all skill levels, genres, and musical goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are given in my studio. Lessons are tailored to your interests and musical goals, and can change and evolve as your own musical expertise improves. Call today to start your musical journey.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fully equipped recording and teaching studio
Logic Pro X, Digital Performer, Ableton Live, Reason, and any other DAW you'd like to learn.
24-track recording capability, treated mixing environment.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar, bass, viola da gamba and other Early Music instruction (Medieval through 18th-century), specialties in Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, and other popular genres. Lessons also available in piano, banjo, mandolin, recorder.

essional goal, or a way to pass time in the shower. I look forward to working with you!

took private lessons in both middle school and high school. I received 1 ratings in both District and State Championships several years in a row. I have 13 years experience playing stringed instruments. My love for music and wanting to share that love, watching the teachers I had that were so dear to me and pushed me to be my best, inspired me. It inspired me to want to be a Music Teacher and share what I learned on my own and what I was taught. And to help others master the skills necessary to be ALL they can be.