Piano with David R.

I am happy to offer piano lessons for beginning to advanced students, and guitar and violin lessons for beginning to upper intermediate students. I teach music in all genres, including pop/rock, classical, ragtime, Broadway, country, jazz, and more - whatever you like best. I encourage students to learn music they are interested in, and to have fun with lessons, while also making sure that they have strong sight-reading and ear training skills, and a solid classical background. I am a former K-12 Orchestra, Band, Piano, and Choir Teacher. I taught at the Winans Academy of Performing Arts (Detroit) and Madison Academy (Flint). I hold the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan - Flint with piano as primary instrument. I played piano in the MSU Jazz Band and UM-Flint Jazz Band. I was also a guitar singer-songleader at Tamarack Camps (Ortonville, MI) for seven summers, and I've played in and taught many string orchestras. Let me know your musical goals and I will work to help you achieve them. *** Lesson Details *** My standard curriculum books are Alfred for Piano, Hal Leonard for Guitar, and Belwin for violin. However, if your preference is to use a different method book or teaching style, I'm happy to adjust to what you would like. After three to six months, students on piano, violin, or guitar will know proper playing positions, the notes on the musical clefs, most types of notes and rests, and most importantly, they will be able to play at least a few real songs of progressing difficulty. After you've learned the basics, we can find sheet music at the correct difficulty level for some of your favorite songs. I won't be strict or mad if you are not working to your potential. However, I will let you know one of the most important things about learning an instrument: "no one can practice your instrument for you." You can't even pay someone to do it, because it is impossible to transfer the knowledge. Therefore, it is very important that you work hard and practice in the ways that I will show you in the lessons. Don't worry - you'll be really proud of yourself for working hard and improving your skills. *** Studio Equipment *** The In-Studio lessons are taught in the living room with an upright piano, acoustic guitars, violin, and seating available. No pets. Parking on the street. *** Travel Equipment *** I can bring method books if necessary, and provide written instructions for practice each week if they would like. The student is expected to provide the instrument. *** Specialties *** I am able to teach all styles of piano from classical to pop, beginner to advanced. I am familiar with many methods and can teach according to the students' preference. I am also able to teach guitar, violin and music recording and music theory in all styles, with many different methods. I own a home studio and use Pro Tools, and I am familiar with Logic Pro and Garageband software.