Smithville Music Lessons

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

Robben Ford, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, Martin Taylor, and James Taylor, to name a few. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.

Piano

David started to play the piano after years of playing the guitar. Although a second instrument, it in many ways it was the first as everything David has aspired to on the guitar is pianistic, and he draws much of his inspiration on the instrument from piano players. Correspondingly, it wasn't long before David picked up the piano itself, studying privately first with Tatev Amir and later with Karen, Kushner, Professor of Piano Studies at UMKC. David applies many of the same principles to the piano that he does the guitar including stressing a comprehensive knowledge of music theory, self transcription, ear training and classical technique as well as the more traditional facets of piano pedagogy such as sight reading and rhythm work. Students learn music theory as applied to the keyboard, sight-reading, improvisation and the application of classical technique to modern styles.

As a pianist David is motivated primarily by his passion for music. Growing up he was influenced by classical, jazz, and film scores. Since picking up the piano he has been inspired by pianists from such diverse backgrounds as Art Tatum, Nicolai Lugansky, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans among others. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.

*** Lesson Details ***
I have extensive experience with all ages and skill levels. I use a curriculum specifically geared towards the guitar, as opposed to more traditional (and inferior) methods that emphasize note reading and piano pedagogy, my method will teach you music theory as it relates to the neck of the guitar and the music that the student are interested in. I am a fairly laid back teacher; we will go at your pace, but I do expect you to work hard.

With piano I use classical literature to develop technique but emphasize the development of a comprehensive understanding of music theory as applied to the keyboard. This includes but is not limited to studies in pop, rock, jazz and other style of contemporary piano.

*** Studio Equipment ***
#1) Dedicated music room seating for parents

#2) Practice/rehearsal room seating for parents

#3) Amplification provided and music stand.

#4) Keyboard/Piano for student use

#5) Broadband network, dual camera, file sharing and the latest technology utilized for online lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a music stand, my instrument, curriculum materials, music paper materials and amplification (if needed). I expect the student to have their own instrument and potentially amplification. I provide a piano for instruction but I expect my students to have a piano or keyboard for practice at home.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical and jazz guitar, however I am fluent in most styles, including rock, blues, fingerstyle, and miscellaneous. I teach from Jay EuDaly's "Vertical Truth: Chordal Mechanisms for the Guitar" but I also supplement this with a variety of other curriculum.

In piano I specialize in classical piano as well as jazz and pop.

llege in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher. After completing her student teaching at the Liberty Public School District, she pursued her field experience and prepared for her career as an educator at numerous schools ranging from grades 4 - 12 and college students. Currently, Karla plays 4th chair viola with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and in the past has subbed for the St. Joseph Symphony. She is also the Viola player with Crescendo Trio. They perform 30-35 weddings and corporate events every year. Karla keeps an in-home and downtown studio offering music lessons for children and adults of all ages from beginners to advanced students.

*** Lesson Details ***
The methods I use for teaching primarily depends on the students' style of learning and the level that they are at musically. For beginning students I use a lot of visual and aural techniques and for more advanced students I build on what they already know and challenge them to go further. I am also familiar with the Suzuki method and pop music styles.

*** Studio Equipment ***
- Home studio with keyboard, 1 violin, 1 viola, music stand, music cabinet, seating for parents, wi-fi
- Downtown studio with 1 viola, music stand, seating for parents, and wi-fi

*** Specialties ***
I use the Essential Elements book for beginners so they can learn to read music. I use Suzuki Books for my student's solos. I also use Wolfhart Books to teach technique and Essentials For Strings Scale Book.

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.

and translating this to Ableton and electronic music! Let me know how I can help you!

at. Or you might just want to be able to play popular songs with friends I can help with that as well.

Hope to be able to make great music together with you!

nce and pop music, depending on the goals and preference of the student.

I have played professionally with Navy Band Mid-South of Memphis, Tennessee for four years and played with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Repertory Orchestra, Corinth Symphony Orchestra. I've played with the pit orchestras of Theatre Memphis, Playhouse on the Square, Germantown Community Theatre, DeSoto Family Theatre, University of Memphis Musical Theatre, Harrell Theatre and many more.

As a professional, I currently play Clarinet in the Kansas City Wind Symphony, play in the pit orchestras of Musical Theatre Heritage, Barn Players and Mid-Life Players .

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!