Edmond, OK Music Theory Lessons

She believes that if you have a rigid curriculum, you leave no room for individuality and creativity. Her goals are to assess your voice, listen to her students goals and needs and develop a plan based upon what her student wants coupled with her professional suggestions on areas that she feels need the most focus for development. This can change on a weekly or monthly basis. There is no set time to determine when you reach your desired goals, it is all about your development during the journey!

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Classical, R&B, Soul, Neo Soul, Contemporary, Gospel, Christian, Hip Hop, Soul and more

Note- I also teach other skills such as acting, writing, speaking, skin care, studying etc.

there after that. I also started teaching at another well respected music school and remained there until the end of 2010. During this time I was very fortunate to have a large database of students who were with me from the beginning of my teaching career up until I left both schools. The only reason I left was as I am also a performer; I was offered an opportunity to perform overseas and i took it. It was a very exciting part of my life as a performer and has helped me grow as an artist and teacher immensely.

In 2012, I relocated to Miami and have been teaching from my private home studio while I continue working on my music career. As a musician and educator, I am very passionate about my teaching and like to bring the best out in my students. Every lesson is tailored specifically to your individual learning needs. I will teach you a vocal technique based on the Seth Riggs Teaching method with my own methods implemented, performance skills, repertoire selection, and audition preparation amongst other skills. It doesn't matter what your desired goal is, I can help you achieve it. The most important part of it all is that you have fun!!

And for piano I like to teach through a series of books depending on your learning levels. We can start at book one, with scales from the book A Dozen a Day, or we can take the the more traditional route of scales, or learn popular songs. This decision can be made by you and I when we meet at our first lesson and discuss what your goals are as a musician.

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson is tailored to your individual learning levels. I normally asses this in the first lesson. Lets start with the Singers.

Most singers are looking for help with contemporary popular music so using specific texts are void here. I will teach you a method of singing technique based on the Seth Riggs singing method, implemented with a technique called "Emotion Centered Singing" which will help you understand music beyond melody and composition but also through text and individual interpretation through story telling customed to your needs. I also teach Musical Theatre Singing, pop, rock, jazz, so if these are routes you would like to take, I can help you on your way there. I will help you choose repertoire for auditions, performances, we will work on performance and audition technique and many more fun things!!!

For the Pianists. This also depends on what you want to get out of your lessons. Do you want to learn pop songs? arrangements? Or do you want to learn classical pieces? I ask you all these questions and more at our first lesson to make sure you and I are both happy with the direction we will take. I use either Scale Books or The Dozen a Day Series or the ABRSM Piano series, Alfred's Adult Piano book and many more. Once again the important factor here is Fun based learning!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I provide a full size digital weighted piano for all Lessons, it has various different sounds and a great grand piano sound for piano students. Printer for any homework given, and stationery

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide some books for learning and make copies accordingly. The student should have a working piano/keyboard in the home. If i request they purchase a book for their learning development, they are required to purchase it.

*** Specialties ***
For Singing- I teach a method called Speech Level Singing. Similar to the Seth Riggs Speech level singing as well as a technique called Emotion centered singing which deals with connecting with the song and feeling the connection through the core. This is useful for performance and interpretation. I specialize in teaching, Pop, RnB, Musical Theatre, Rock and Folk

For Piano, I use a variety a books. I particularly like the Alfred's series as well as the Bastien Series. I also like to encourage other learning materials for holidays which is lots of fun!! This depends on the students learning level. I asses learning levels in the first lesson and plan lessons accordingly after that in order to have the student progress each week. I teach classical piano and contemporary, pop

eel successful. All technique is based on real music. Learning scales, keys and music theory become part of the music. By the end of 6 months, we will have a "repertoire" of several songs that express our best self!

ip and stroke technique as well as the use of a metronome. I will teach the student to read rhythms and drum set notation. I know how to isolate difficult patterns, break them down into understandable parts, and reintegrate them into a piece. I like to use the music that a student enjoys to relate to the written music. I have found YouTube to be an indispensable tool for this, and my students have responded very well. I will work on snare drum technique as well, because it is the primary voice on the set, and the touch and nuance required to play it well relate to the set as well. I will tailor my instruction to suit the student's learning style and preferences. I want to make the learning fun, so I will help the student quickly gain the basic skills to play along with their favorite bands. This promotes musicality as well as solid time. It will also aid in transcription, which will come with development and is a valuable tool. I will use this in tandem with technique-building exercises to form a well rounded musician. I believe that a student should have a familiarity with his/her instrument, so we will also go over the anatomy and tuning of the set. Above all, music should be fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ drum set, hand drums, and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a practice pad, snare drum, and sticks. If a student wishes to have drum set lessons in his/her home, that instrument should be there.
**Please note** I do have a drum set in my home.

*** Specialties ***
For the drum set, I am the most experienced in rock, country, and bluegrass styles. I am comfortable with both Stevens and Burton grips for mallet instruments.

1. *** See my article on drum set tips! ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-read-drum-sheet-music
2. ***See my article about the benefits of learning drums as an adult.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-to-drum-as-an-adult
3. *** See my article on Efficient Practice Methods. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-practice-drums-z07
4. *** See my article on Coordination Exercises. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/hand-eye-coordination-exercises-for-drummers-z07
5. *** See my article on Snare Drum Basics. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/5-exercises-to-master-snare-drum-basics-z07
6. *** See my Gear Guide article on drum sticks. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/which-drum-sticks-are-the-best-z07
7. *** See my Gear Guide article on Drum Sets. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/best-drum-set-brands-z07
8. *** See my Gear Guide article on cymbals. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-cymbals-z07
9. ***See my article about different grips.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-hold-drum-sticks-z07
10. **See my article about drum apps. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/apps-for-drummers-z07
11. **See my article about drum thrones. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-thrones-gear-for-drummers-z07
12. **See my article about nailing performances.**
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-performance-tips-z07
13. ***See my article about rudiments.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/7-essential-drum-rudiments-z07
14. ***See my article about tuning your drums.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-tuning-z07
15. ***See my article about reading drum charts/tabs.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-charts-for-beginners-z07
16. ***See my article about different types of sticks/effects.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/types-of-drum-sticks-z07#comment-910418
17. ***See my article about Bass Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/bass-drum-technique-z07
18. ***See my article on Snare Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-snare-drum-z07
19. ***See my article on Fills.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-fills-z07
20.*** See my article on Different Drum Types.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/guide_to_different_types_of_drums_z07

Recording Credits: "The Mary Rose" and "Normandie" from the album, Demos and Premiers, by Callen Clarke and Kyle Dillingham

ge of sharing my musical knowledge and my love for playing with anyone who wants to join me on this amazing journey.

I have 30+ years of experience teaching piano--from numerous four-year-olds to an eighty-six-year-old student. In addition to teaching students to play by note, I enjoy teaching students to play by ear. Together, we will explore many different types of music--Easy-listening, Country, Southern Gospel, Black Gospel, Blues, Latin, Contemporary, Classical, etc.

I am qualified to teach piano by note from beginner through early advanced (all ages); by ear, beginner through very advanced.

I also have experience teaching special needs students, students with physical handicaps, and students with physical limitations (Ex: Autism, delayed learning, ADD, ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis, etc.), and feel that anyone can learn to play. We may need to slow the pace or change the technique, but I haven't found a child or an adult who couldn't learn to play piano, if they really have the desire to do so. In many cases, I've seen students who struggle in other areas of life excel in the area of music.

I have written more than 200 songs (mostly Gospel and some easy listening), with numerous ones having been recorded by various artists. Several have been arranged and published for church choirs.

Having lived in South America as a child, I am bilingual and qualified to give piano lessons in English or in Spanish.

I would be honored to share my knowledge and love of music with you. Give yourself a priceless gift that will last a lifetime!

*** Lesson Details ***
Our sessions will be laid back and comfortable, yet challenging. Humor will often find its way into our sessions. I am patient with my students, while helping them master new songs or techniques. I understand that every student learns in a way that is unique to them, and I will do my best to discover each student's learning method. I do not expect perfection, but I do strive for excellence. I believe every student should work to be the best pianist they can possibly be, while having fun doing so!

I believe it is important for students to have a strong foundation of learning to read notes--so much so, that I will not teach a young student to play by ear, who is is not willing to learn to play by note as well.

Adults who have never had piano lessons are encouraged to learn to play by note as well, and will be given the opportunity to learn to play by ear if they desire. Adults who have a good knowledge of reading music will truly enjoy learning to play many styles by ear, and learning how to improvise (adding extra elements to written music).

Each lesson will conclude with an assignment of songs given to work on throughout the week--usually 2-3 songs for 30-minute lessons, and 4-5 songs for an hour-long lesson. These will be the same songs we have worked on during the lesson time, so you will go home with the knowledge you need to master each song. Music theory sheets and technique exercises will also be included in the assignments.

Daily practice is strongly urged, in order for the student to progress. If a student doesn't practice, they won't progress. If they don't progress, they will become bored. It's a very short path from boredom to quitting. That's a tragedy that can very easily be avoided, by making a commitment to practice 5-6 days a week. The amount of recommended practice times varies according to age and level of skill.

Students will showcase what they have learned at a yearly recital, the second Saturday in December. I also encourage students to share their talent in community and school talent shows, at church, at family gatherings, and for friends. In just a few weeks you'll be playing songs that others will recognize!

Note: I do have cats in my home. Unfortunately, I do not have a way to block their access to the music studio. If you or your child has a problem with cat allergies, I can teach the lesson next door in our church.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in the front room on a studio piano. There is a couch for seating for parents who wish to stay and observe a lesson. The yearly piano recital is conducted at First Assembly of God (next door to the studio), and students will enjoy playing my 5'9" grand piano located in the church sanctuary.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I purchase the necessary books and lesson binder, and the student reimburses me. I provide weekly lesson sheets for the lesson binder. Every student needs to have a piano or keyboard, plenty of good lighting, and a reasonably quiet room.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Country Gospel, Floyd Cramer Country, Black Gospel, Easy Listening, Easy Rock, Contemporary Christian, Latin, Pop. By note and by ear.

private saxophone lessons, saxophone quartets, private oboe lessons, and group guitar class.

Carl completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at the University of Kansas in 2014, and his Master of Music Pedagogy and Performance from Oklahoma State University in 2011. He graduated from Harrah High School in 2002, earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2008, and was a 5th-12th grade Head Band Director at Fairview Public schools. He is currently a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Jazz Education Network, Music Teachers National Association, treasurer of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and an Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma. He has held previous memberships with Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association.

While at KU, Carl was also a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio and jazz studies program. His responsibilities included Assistant Director of the KU Jazz Festival, directing Jazz Ensembles II-III, directing Jazz Combo III-VI, assisting with the KU Jazz Festival, directing Saxophone Quartets II-III, teaching private saxophone lessons, assisting in saxophone studio class, and teaching the music education woodwind methods course. His Lecture Recital Document, A Performer’s Analysis of Selected Jazz Works for Saxophone Quartet, featured an interview with Bob Mintzer. Carl was a member of KU Jazz Ensemble I, KU Saxophone Quartet I, and KU's Helianthus New Music Ensemble. As a member of KU's Jazz Ensemble 1, Carl has performed with Dave Douglas, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Alex Sipiagin, Steve Owen, Gary Foster, Steve Houghton, Clint Ashlock, David von Kampen, Peter Epstein, Jeff Miley, James Miley, Roger Shew, and Brian Hamada, Brandon Draper, Rich Wheeler, Beau Bledsoe, Jeff Harshbarger, and Matt Otto. In July 2014, Carl went on a European tour with KU Jazz Ensemble I featuring Steve Leisring and Deborah Brown. Together, they performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Vienne Jazz Festival in France, and performed in several cities in Germany. Recordings by this band resulted in KU winning the DownBeat Student Award (Graduate College Large Jazz Ensemble Division) in 2015.

While at OSU, Carl was a GTA for the saxophone studio and music theory programs. His responsibilities included Music Theory I-IV tutoring and grading, sight-singing grading, piano labs, classical and jazz saxophone lessons, saxophone quartet coaching, saxophone studio Webmaster, and saxophone studio class. Carl was a member of the OSU Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble 1. He had a regularly performing jazz trio and played in OSU's X2End saxophone quartet. The X2End quartet performed locally at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C., at the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and has won the state and division rounds of the 2010-2011 MTNA Chamber Music Competition. The X2End quartet went on to win the 3rd place prize at the national final round of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. They also were the Division II Chamber Ensemble winners at the 2011 Hubbard Music Competition where they were awarded the 2nd place prize in the overall finals. Carl's final degree paper at OSU was a study of composer/performer collaboration. He traveled to Texas, Michigan, and Ohio to interview saxophonists and composers including David Dees, Peter Fischer, John Sampen,Marilyn Shrude, Joe Lulloff, and Charles Ruggiero. He has presented his lecture at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and the 2012 OSU Single Reed Summit. As a member of OSU's Jazz Ensemble 1, he has performed with Bob Sheppard, Conrad Herwig, Wayne Bergeron, and Andy Martin.

While at SWOSU, Carl performed as a member of the marching band, wind ensemble, Jazz Ensemble A, saxophone quartet, and his own jazz combo named Five-Seven. As a member of SWOSU's Jazz Ensemble A, he has performed with Dan Haerle, Bob Bowman, Jack Mouse, Fred Forney, Janice Borla, Eddie Daniels, Pamela York, Lynn Seaton, Carl Allen, Dr. Michael Cox, Tom Williams, Dr. Robert Chambers, Dave Hanson, Drori Mondlak, Delores Williams, Byron Stripling, Frank Wess, Kenny Drew Jr.,Dennis Mackrel, Bill Watrous, Rich Eames, Jennifer Leitham, and Randy Drake.
​
Carl's primary saxophone instructors have been Vince Gnojek, Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Dr. Ann Bradfield, Dr. Keith Talley, and William Rodney Hull. He has had additional instruction in lessons and masterclasses from Gary Foster, Dr. Joseph Murphy, Dr. Michael Cox, Bob Sheppard, Johnny Salinas, Dr. Kimberly Goddard Loeffert, Dr. Geoffrey Deibel, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, Dr. Griffin Campbell, Dr. James Laughlin, and Dr. David Dees. Carl's jazz directors have included Dan Gailey, Bob McCurdy, Dr. Jonathan Martin, Dr. Keith Talley, and Dr. Terry Segress.

​Carl lives in Brookings, South Dakota. He enjoys recording several instruments in his home studio and composing new music. His compositions that have been performed include his big band arrangement of Cat Battles by Joshua Redman,September in the Refrain (alto saxophone and electronics), Funk-o-matic (jazz combo), Smooth (jazz combo), and The Deadline Arrives at Dawn (alto saxophone and electronics). As an advocate of new music involving the saxophone, he has participated in a commissioning consortium for Alone Together by composer David MacDonald through Kick Starter. In 2013, Carl performed the premier of Cuento #3 by Nelson Ramirez Diaz. During summer of 2014, he recorded selections from Dr. John Walker's "The Alto Saxophone in the Attic," published by Carl Fischer. At the 10th Annual SDSU/Brookings Optimist Jazz Festival in 2015, Carl directed SDSU Jazz Ensemble I's premier of Dog, Tired by David von Kampen.

​Dr. Carl is a Conn-Selmer Endorsing Artist. He hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA) Conference at South Dakota State University on March 17-18, 2017. On Saturday, April 8, 2017, Carl performed Dreams in the Dusk by David Biedenbender with South Dakota State University's Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Jacob Wallace. On Monday, February 6, 2017, Carl will be performed the premiere of Lhotse for alto saxophone and percussion by Steve Danyew with Dr. Aaron Ragsdale.

quipment ***
I can provide a stand. Student is responsible for purchasing an instrument, and any sheet music. I can definitely advise on an instrument to purchase and will instruct with specific music requests.