Music has been a very important part of my life for a long time. I began taking piano lessons at age 9 and also started as a church musician that same year. Some people would say I was a very fast learner! I was, and still am, very interested in every aspect of music. I began singing in church and school a few years after that. I have played and performed a variety of styles of music but I have the most experience with Christian music, classical, pop and R & B. I am confident that I can teach you whatever style you are interested in! I am currently a high school choral director and a minister of music for church. I also play in a band with a group of my co-workers where we perform mostly pop, rock and oldies. I have been doing private lessons since I was in high school and have taught school music for 25 years. I've taught general education, choir, band and general music. I also do some composing.
I attended Jarvis Christian College (1984-1989) where I majored in All-Level Music Education. I received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in May of 1989.
After I was hired at my first school, I started working on additional certification at Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University. I completed the required subjects and received certification in general education in 1991. I am currently certified in 3 areas: General Music 1-8, All-Level Music K-12 and General Education 1-8.
*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that all students can and will learn something if they put forth some effort! I also believe that learning music should be fun! I'm a pretty laid back person but I am very serious about my time and yours being well spent! I use a method book for piano lessons, as well as, a variety of other materials based on your interest and level. I also use a variety of materials for voice lessons. At the first lesson I will find out what your goals for learning music are. I will also find out what types of music you are interested in and we'll go from there! I do believe in challenging students. I do expect you to sincerely want to learn and to demonstrate your interest through weekly practice and attendance at your lessons.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboards, microphones, recording equipment, music stands and supplemental books and materials
*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need to have the required lesson book. All students will need a spiral notebook and a pen or pencil. Voice students will also need a black binder.
***Affiliations***
TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) August 2002
TCDA (Texas Choral Directors Association) August 2002
MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) August 1990
*** Specialties ***
I teach a variety of genres but my strongest areas are all types of Christian Music and classical. I've trained many people to be church musicians. I've also done pop, jazz, Broadway, country and hip hop.
Teach and conduct church music ministries including the adult praise team and youth choir.
Oversee the Worship Ministry including the musicians, sound team and audio visual departments.
Choral Director and District Music Coordinator
Private piano and voice lessons to ages 5 to adult
Choir Grades 1-12
General Music Grades 1-8
General Education Grades K-8
Band Grades 4-12
Oversee adult praise choir and youth choir
General Education Grades 4 and 5
General Music Grades 4 and 5
Choir Grade 5
General Education Certification for grades K-8
All Level Music Education Certification for grades K-12
General Music Grades 1-8
Begun in 1920 as the Texas Band Teachers Association, the Texas Music Educators Association is an organization of over 10,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. TMEA is comprised of five divisions: Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Elementary and College. On behalf of its members and Texas schoolchildren, TMEA carefully monitors the actions of all state decision-making bodies on issues affecting fine arts instruction in Texas. In addition to many member benefits, TMEA offers professional development opportunities for its members with Region workshops and especially with its annual Clinic/Convention. TMEA supports the future of music education by offering scholarships to music education majors and by sponsoring the Texas Future Music Educators, an organization through which high school students interested in careers in music education learn more about what to expect in their college education and future careers.
The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.
