Clarkston Music Lessons

duction and recording engineering.

James brings enthusiasm and excitement to the learning environment. From Mozart to Maroon 5 all beyond, James assures that each lesson will present a wealth of knowledge that students will carry with them for a lifetime!

Dr. Charles's motto for music education is " You must have the desire, dedication, and discipline to succeed"

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of music immediately after getting acquainted. Answering questions such as" "What is music?" "How is music written?" and "How to get started on the instrument" are only a few steps along the journey of discovery in music. By 6 months, with desire, dedication, and discipline, the students will surely gain an aesthetic experience in music as evident through demonstrated musical growth and achievement.

*** Studio Equipment ***
recording studio f/w 88 keyboard seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Piano, instrument, stands, method book(s)

*** Specialties ***
Certified Instrumental Music Instructor for grades k-12
Certified Music production specialist (Recording Institute of Detroit)
Pro-Tools certified
Music Technology Specialist

The student should have his/her own instrument, so they can practice regularly.

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Classical, Pop, Inspirational, Sacred, Wedding, etcetera

use a variety of curriculum, which includes classical, broadway, some pop, new age, and jazz. After 3 to 6 months you will have a basic understanding of your instrument and will be ready to take off! I do ask students to keep track of your practicing so you can see your progress.

For piano:
I use the Alfred Basic Books for beginners and then we move to the Keith Snell books along with other supplemental books. If a student already is using a book, generally we will finish that book up so they won't have to purchase another set of books.

For Saxophone and Clarinet:
I use the Rubank books along with other supplemental books

For Voice:
I use the 24 Italian Songs and Arias, The Young Singer, and various Broadway books. Any pop music must be purchased by student as there is just way too much to chose from for me to have a lot of it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: in living room with 2 pianos at entrance of house. Seating is available as well toys and a table for siblings.

*** Specialties ***
Voice - Classical & Broadway
Piano - classical
Clarinet - classical and pop
Saxophone - classical, pop, and some jazz

t where your child is, but challenge them to be better
- constant review and repetition of materials is essential to learning
- compete only with yourself, not your peers or parents
- character is developed as the child gains knowledge and ability

When learning music, your child is taught true self-confidence. They know they truly have achieved a great thing when they learn to play an instrument. The things they learn, such as patience and perseverance, will pour over into all areas of their lives

*** Studio Equipment ***
Young students are started out on a play violin so they can learn the proper positions before they graduate to their real violin. I will assist parents in finding the right instrument for their child.

*** Specialties ***
I have never found a child who couldn't learn music. Obviously, some will learn faster than others, but with the right encouragement and help from their parents, any child can learn to play the violin.

he districts of Livonia and Plymouth Canton and adjudicates throughout the Metro area.

o do.

As a clinician, Dr. M.has given several lectures around the state on the Taubman approach to piano technique. Dr. M. is one of only 2 or 3 pianists within the state of Michigan to have worked one on one with the late Dorothy Taubman, considered by many to be the world’s leading expert on the prevention and healing of music related hand injuries as well as a master coach of leading concert pianists. (see New York Times article)

As a performer, Dr. M. plays regularly with the Macomb Symphony and has also given numerous recitals in the United States and abroad. She has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Macomb Symphony, Southfield youth symphony and the Grinnell Orchestra.

In the last five years, Dr. M. decided to write down some of “those tunes that are always running through my head.” To date she has written about 40 compositions, some of which have been performed at local churches. Stay tuned. This has been an exciting development for her students, some of whom have their own compositional aspirations.

Southern California jazz heavyweights, including Roger Shew and Jeff Ellwood. On the advice of his mentor Roger Shew, Kenji attended the University of Michigan to study with some of his musical heroes including Benny Green, Robert Hurst, and Andrew Bishop.

Kenji has performed and worked with some of the most legendary names in jazz including Gary Burton, Carl Allen, Kendrick Scott, Ingrid Jensen, Michael Formanek, Jon Irabagon, Robert Hurst, and Benny Green. In April 2015, Kenji traveled to New York City to perform a series of original compositions for large ensemble at Carnegie Hall as a part of the historic Carnegie Hall Heritage Festival. Later that year, Kenji won the coveted title of "2015 Orange County Register Artist of the Year" (Instrumental Music).

Kenji has performed at various venues across the country including Carnegie Hall (New York City, NY), The Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI), Cliff Bell's (Detroit, MI), 2018 JEN Conference (Dallas, TX), Ziggy's (Ypsilanti), Jazz Central Studios (Minneapolis, MN), Bert's (Detroit, MI), Kerrytown Concert House (Ann Arbor, MI), Hill Auditorium(Ann Arbor, MI), Steamer's Jazz Cafe (Fullerton, CA), and Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa, CA).

His debut record with "Juarez - Lee - Alvarez" will be released in the Spring of 2018.

Kenji currently splits his time between, performing professionally, teaching, and working as the Canterbury House's Concert Series Coordinator.

reate/understand music they love, as well as understand music from a more holistic, worldly perspective.
When I teach, I encourage creativity and an excitement to learn. I look forward to meeting you and helping you unlock your potential in music!