Yukon, OK Piano Lessons

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!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in the fellowship hall of our church, First Assembly of God, on a studio piano. There is comfortable seating just steps away in the foyer of the church, and padded chairs set up around tables in the fellowship hall for parents who wish to stay in the room and observe a lesson. The yearly piano recital is conducted in the sanctuary of the church, and students will enjoy playing my 5'9" grand piano for the recital.

*** 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.

e and desires of the student. She believes in positive reinforcement and encouragement and keeping music fun while working hard to meet their goals.

There is also a yearly recital for students.

der Paul Finkbeiner, the lead trumpet player for the Paul Keller Ensemble.

Then at the age of 11, with the help of his grandfather he discovered the guitar. He learned quickly on his old SR guitar. He quickly discovered that he had a natural taste for blues phrasing, and his soloing abilities quickly blossomed. 2 years later, he had formed his first band, Spherical. It was through this band that he found the bass.

His journey into the realm of bass, began out of necessity and progressed into love of the bottom end. Since then, he has been collecting basses, playing, living and breathing bass. He now realizes the importance of a funky beat, a subtle line and most important of all A Tight Groove!!!

The benefit of studying under someone with a vast array of both talent and experience is clear.

*** Lesson Details ***
During his musical career Nicholas has played almost every style of music; from folk to experimental from jazz to rock. One thread holds true through all music, it has to groove.
During the course of a lesson he will cover a broad range of topics starting from the basics, and moving into ear training, sight-reading, theoretical knowledge and most important for bass players, groove. Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so to does every lesson that Nicholas gives.
In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home: lessons in dedicated music room with piano and stereo, guitars/basses, cables/amps

*** Specialties ***
Jazz Studies major at Wayne State University. Has a firm understanding of music across both the classical and jazz idioms spanning multiple instruments.

a therapist and a family woman I love working with people of all ages and cannot wait to make music with you!

dynamic songwriters.

My personal passion is contemporary music but 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!