Piano with Don C.

Don grew up in Indianapolis, and began his musical interest in church as a 9 year old. "Most everyone sang the melody during the song service, and I wanted to be different. So I started picking out parts to sing by ear." His first formal music began in the fifth grade when he took up the trumpet. From there he became involved in band and choir in high school and went on to major in music at Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga. Later he earned a master's degree in music from Butler University, and studied voice and choral conducting at Pensacola Christian College for 2 summers. He has traveled across most of the eastern United States as part of a college ensemble from 3 different colleges. He has performed in and directed numerous church musicals as well as performing in 2 college musicals. Don has been a church music director, and has taught elementary, Jr. High and High School band and choir for 10 years. His own formal lessons have been in piano, trumpet, voice, and guitar, but Don studied all the band instruments in order to teach young band members to better play their instrument. He has also taught music on the college level for 15 years in courses such as voice, piano, trumpet, music history, music theory, etc. Don is also a composer and arranger of numerous sacred choral pieces, and has written 4 Christmas cantatas, complete with drama. Don and his wife have three sons, all of which followed his example and earned degrees in music, and are now active in performing or teaching music. *** Lesson Details *** I believe that classical literature is an important basis for any music lessons. But I also want students to perform music that they enjoy. So I use a balance of both. For beginners, I use the basic methods books, but within a few weeks try to bring in music that the student will enjoy. I believe one of the most important aspects of teaching music, is to create a love of music in the student. To be successful a student must practice because his/she loves music, not because he/she is forced to prepare for a lesson. Subjects taught- voice, piano, trumpet, trombone, baritone (euphonium), french horn, tuba, clarinet, saxophone, music theory, music history, song writing. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano, band instruments, recording equipment *** Specialties *** Sacred music, classical