Whiteside Music Lessons

or Tenor Saxophone and Trumpet and continued playing jazz for 6 years. At age 14 I began to take lessons for French Horn, which is now my main instrument. I performed in various middle school and high school state solo and ensemble competitions on all four instruments over the course of 7 years. I am knowledgeable in solo and small ensemble repertoire for all four instruments.

I attended Lindenwood University where was Principal to the L.U. Symphonic Orchestra for 4 years, a section leader for the L.U. Marching band for 5 years, and Principal of the L.U. band for 5 years. I also performed in various chamber concerts with brass choirs and quintets. I have also organized the University's first woodwind quintet (consisting of: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn) for a senior recital. Over my college years I have performed for several community groups and churches. I have been a featured guest and helped with sectional instruction for the St. Charles Youth Orchestra.

I am starting up my fourth season playing French Horn with the Alton Symphony Orchestra. I have been a board member since November 2015 and will be accepting role of Vice President as of June 2016.

*** Lesson Details ***
I like to tailor each lesson to suit individuals. Everyone learns differently and I can adapt easily. I believe in a "no stress" environment. Stress and tension can affect how you learn and if you're relaxed and having fun then you'll absorb more. My lessons will help inspire creativity and confidence. In our first lesson, we will discuss what YOU would like to get out of the lessons, whether you want to learn a new genre of music, prepare for solo and ensemble, improve technique, and anything else that comes to mind.

For beginning students, we'll learn notes, scales, time signatures, and technical aspects of the instruments and music. For intermediate-advanced students, the lessons will depend on what knowledge you already have and what you would like to learn.

Daily practice is encouraged! A teacher can teach, but it takes a student to put that into practice. I can teach Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet at beginner levels. I can teach French Horn from beginning to advanced levels.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide music and pencils. I expect my students to provide a music stand and a positive attitude. Miscellaneous cleaning/care products and reeds should be provided by the student.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Baroque, Romantic

ganist of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, during which he played for over fifteen bishops, Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and Louis Alphonse of Bourbon, Duke of Anjou.

Mr. M. studied organ at Cleveland State University with Horst Buchholz and piano at Duquesne University with Natasha Snitkovsky. In 2011 Mr. Murphy came in third in the Rodgers North American Classical Organ Competition and was a winner of the 2005 Duquesne University Concerto Competition, playing Dimitri Shostakovich’s second piano concerto. A Colleague of the American Guild of Organists, he enjoys reading, dancing, and weightlifting in his free time.

p learning!). I created my first band when I was Junior in high school and have played in a number of bands since then spanning over multiple genres including rock, funk, metal, and folk. I now have my own solo project and I am writing my first solo record. Currently I am focusing on working with beginner and intermediate players. Lessons will be conducted out of my home studio or through TakeLessons Classroom. Whether you are looking to learn your favorite songs, get a grip on music theory, or learn what it takes to write your own songs, I am your guy!

*** Lesson Details ***

One of the first questions I ask a new student is "what do you want to get out of learning the guitar?" Every student is unique in that every student wants to learn different things about the instrument and learns in different ways. I implicate a goal based approach to teaching/learning the guitar so that every student gets the most they can out of every lesson and has a good time doing so. That being said there are fundamentals in guitar playing technique that I make sure every student learns including knowing the "anatomy" of the guitar, strumming, note names on the fretboard, basic rhythms, etc. I like to use every resource available to me that I can including the internet, guitar books, handouts that I have created, as well as digital audio workstations for creating backing tracks to jam over. I often encourage younger students to take 30-45 minute lessons and students over the age of 14 to take 45 minute lessons at a minimum.

*** Studio Equipment ***

My studio is located in the finished basement of my home in St. Charles, MO. I have electric and acoustic guitars that students are welcome to play on during our lessons if they do not want to bring their own. I also have amplifiers, guitar pedals (so much fun!), an interface, DAW's, music stands, metronome, and more that are incorporated into most lessons. Parents of students are welcome to relax in the lounge area located right next to my studio (don't hesitate to ask for coffee or tea!). I also have basic supplies for creating a custom guitar binder/folder for every student to take home and practice with. All handouts are available in digital format for those wishing to learn online through Take Lessons Classroom.

*** Specialties ***

I specialize in teaching modern techniques for both electric and acoustic guitar. My introduction to learning the guitar came in the form of classical guitar lessons so I can also teach the basics of sight reading and classical guitar playing technique, though most lesson will focus on more modern styles of playing. I am well versed in rock, funk, blues, and traditional acoustic playing styles. I also specialize in songwriting and improvisation/jamming.