Smithville Music Lessons

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

teaching at the Hall Mead School gave him an opportunity to broaden his horizons. He developed a close relationship with British composer Dal Strutt, who composed several pieces for his voice and sang premieres of Strutt’s work at the Greenwich Festival, the British Music Information Center, All Saints Society, Essex, and other venues around London. The guitarist Martin Vishnick invited him to sing songs by the Renaissance English composers John Dowland and Thomas Campion on his recitals. Thomas performed as soloist with the Capella Singers, Ramsey Singers, and the Pink Singers, as their soloist in West Berlin for Hans Eisler’s “Die Mutter.”

Thomas sang the first performances of John Rutter’s “Shadows” for voice and guitar, with guitarist Ramona Hartmetz in Kansas City as well as Rutter’s “Mass for the Children” with the Philharmonia of Kansas City. He served as baritone soloist for Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, KC, and on tour in Salzburg, Paris, Florence, Westminster Abbey and the cathedrals of Christchurch, St. Mary’s, Southwell, Ely, St. Patrick’s, St. Davids, Birmingham, Wells, Bristol, Worcester, Exeter and Norwich.

After singing opera throughout his college years, his first ‘professional’ opera was “Die Fledermaus” at New Haven Opera. Lyric Opera Kansas City hired Thomas in 1981 for the chorus of “Fidelio” and the rest is history! One hundred plus shows, and counting!

*** 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.)

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.

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!