Bellaire Music Lessons

ul journey into music!

*** Lesson Details ***
I truly have fun making and teaching music. We celebrate all successes. Even the overcoming of the smallest "hiccups"!
There are games to make my students secure with the many concepts of music reading. I encourage improvisation and ensemble playing. We can add rhythm tracks to "jazz" up our scales and finger builders. Students can accompany with chords or melodic harmonies. I assign exercises to build finger flexibility, strength, fluidity and independence; Pencil work to master theory and reading skills; Pieces that contain the ideas we are focused upon; and pieces to add to your repertoire.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my Home Studio,You will be playing on my 5'1" Knabe grand piano! I also have electronic keyboards. On occasion you may find yourself playing on my marimba - a definite pitch percussion instrument - like a giant xylophone. We often rehearse our rhythms on my variety of world drums! There are chairs available for guests.
Also, I share my home with my pet cats - so if you are allergic, I'd be happy to consider coming to your home for your lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
An electronic keyboard with full-sized keys or a tuned piano must be available along with a proper height stool, bench or chair. A music stand for the books and good lighting is also needed. The family must agree that the 'lesson space' deserves to be quiet with no distractions. I can also bring one of my keyboards to use for duets, accompanying and improvising. Should there be another student (or potential student) in the home, they can use the extra keyboard with headphones for guided practice and creativity. Percussion students - primarily- mallets, would be better served at my home using my marimba. However, those who have bell kits could be taught in their home, with the possibility of using my marimba as an incentive.

*** Specialties ***
I am fortunate to have an extensive collection of piano method books and solos that I make available as part of my lending library. From it I can reinforce a concept or reward an accomplishment with an "oldie, but goodie" from John Thompson or Schaum, without having to charge the parents for another piece. For my beginning piano students of elementary school age, I have used the Robert Pace, Bastien, Faber & Faber and Schaum series. With adults, I invite them into the decision depending on what their experience is and what they would like to be able to perform one year from now. With transfer students, I have asked them to play their favorites from the lesson books they own, (and I ask them to evaluate their proficiency)- then we discuss where to go from there. Often it is positive to stay at the same level but use different literature so they can become comfortable with my style of explanations and expectations. This encourages a relationship where the student feels like they do know what they were taught and 'cements' those skills as a foundation for our moving forward together. I have a CD player handy for the books that include recorded tracks to go along with a learned piece.

w to think creatively so that you can unlock your full potential.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my guitar, picks, and tuner and that's really all you will need as well.

I'll occasionally bring my laptop with me to use some music software to assist in my lessons.

I'll always have pens and paper so I can make notes or diagrams if needed. I highly recommend that my students have a spiral notebook so I can more easily cater to them.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in many musical genres including rock, ska, punk, progressive, jazz, folk, and more. Music theory is a big part of what I do as it's the universal language of music. If you learn enough theory, you can learn ANY instrument.

whole life more often than not!
YOU can be an active musician. If you have the passion and desire. The first step though, is learning your instrument. Learning an instrument is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's an unfaltering companion that can benefit you in so many ways. I like to toss out the strict "teacher/student" regiment and create a laid back, fun, easy going atmosphere. I want to be buds and SHARE music with each other and introduce you into this world that I have grown to love so so much. There is nothing more rewarding. I promise. So let's get started!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back. Your progress is directly linked to you. I will give it my all to teach you and help you, but if you don't practice or soak it in, that's on you! I hate having a tense, seminar type lesson atmosphere. Lessons with me will be easy going and relaxed. I don't want to have to put on a sweater vest and wag my finger as a I scold you. That's just not me.
However, I DO expect you to get things done. Why waste your time with lessons if you're not going to take them seriously on any level? The curriculum will be totally personalized for YOU. After all, not everybody likes the same music and style. The first lesson or two will be getting a handle on exactly what YOU want to learn and what YOU want out of it. Finding out your favorite bands/artists, guitar players, bass players, etc. There's nothing worse than being taught something you have no desire for, but having it drilled into your head week after week! So whether that be blues, folk, metal, whatever, that's the first step. With that information I'll begin constructing and laying out the rest of your lesson plan.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Although I assume you have an instrument of your own (if not I recommend getting one, it sort of helps), if you're looking to just try things out at first I have more than a few extra that I'd be happy to let you use. My teaching studio doubles as a recording studio as well. This means 2 things: if ever you would like to record some of your music you know where to go! And also, I have the means to record the entire lesson if you'd like. You'll need to supply the blank CD(s) of course. It's not a requirement to record the lesson, just an option! Basically, I have everything you could ever possibly need for music lessons here. So you're set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitars, amps, etc. anything that would be needed I've got!

*** Specialties ***
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, hardcore, acoustic-finger-style and various other acoustic styles, and more. Through teaching and experience as a working musician I have mastered most genres and styles. When sitting at home jamming in my free time, I probably most frequently find myself playing acoustic finger-style, blues, folk, or rock, but love and appreciate most styles. So, bring it on!

ginners,” Fun Song.

* Age 8 – 9: Level 1 Music Theory “Note Names, Fingering Notes,” Trumpet Book, Fun Song,
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As for Junior High/High School or Adults level I will help them with anything they are learning in the school band like "etudes, solo's scale's or anything they bring to the lessons. For trumpet players, I well use any books they are using in school band or a book I think they may need based on their level; I will let them use my book also with the encouragement to bring any music they like or love. I will always make lessons fun and educational.

* Age 10 – 13: Music Theory “Base on their level,” Trumpet Book, Exercise Book “Long Tone, Lip slur/Tonguing,” Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor scales. I try to also do anything they need to work on for school/band.
* Age 14 – Adults: I base it on the level of the student, Music Theory “Base on their level,” Trumpet Book, Exercise Book “Long Tone, Lip slur/Tonguing,” Piece, Fun Song, any etudes and Major/Minor Scales. I try to also do anything they need to work on for school/band.

*** Piano Lesson Details ***

For the younger students I enjoy teaching them the name of the letters and the placement of their hands on the piano. My teaching aides include, colors, name games, color pages, flashcards along with songs I have composed or will buy for them. I always encourage students to play any song they like.

* Age 4 – 7: Basic Music Theory color pages, Lesson Book, Fun Song and Games
* Age 8 – 9: Level 1 Music Theory, Lesson Book, Technical Book, Fun Song.
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For those in Junior High/High School or Adults level I will teach them at their level and speed with tempo, rhythm and some basic music theory. As for piano students, I well go
ahead and purchase a book they need based on their level.

* Age 10 – 13: Music Theory “Base on their level,” Lesson Book, Technical Book, Finger/Hand Exercises, Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor scales
* Age 14 – Adults: I base it on the level of the student, Music Theory “Base on their level,” Lesson Book, Technical Book, Finger/Hand Exercises, Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor Scales/Chords

*** Specialties ***

I have published a beginners trumpet book.

I specialize in church music, mariachi, concert and jazz band, orchestra, classical and/or symphony music on the trumpet.

I specialize in church music, classical, orchestra, symphony and/or pop on the piano.

I started to learn music at the age of 10. I have minored/self-taught myself in sing alto, guitar, handbells, organ, voice, percussion and french horn for approximately eight years. I enjoy learning and teaching music to others.

*** Travel Equipment ***

I am able to travel to your house. I have a portable piano keyboard for anyone that does not have one but I do expect the parents to invest in some type of piano and/or keyboard. I can also provide the books they will need.

nderstanding of the music. This leads to more beautiful playing and greater enjoyment.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are designed for the needs of the individual student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
7' KAWAI concert grand
Basic video recording capability

*** Travel Equipment ***
Basic video recording capability

*** Specialties ***
Concentration on interpretation, Theory, Solfege and ear training, and non injurious piano technique.

ter, and school chorus auditions. As a successful soloist and vocal instructor, I pride myself in teaching proper technique, nurturing each student's vocal development, helping singers develop a true love of music, and gaining an appreciation of their unique vocal gifts. Many of my vocalists learn the skills of reading music by learning keyboard and basic theory through piano lessons, which I am also able to teach.

With a creative and personable teaching style, I am able to connect with each student where they need to be met. My students of all ages see an immediate improvement when applying the techniques that I share with them. Focusing on healthy vocal production, good breath support, and proper techniques of support and vowel placement, I am able to help students reach their musical goals through vocal exercises and drills, direct application to selected music, and assigned home practice between lessons. After learning the basics of vocal production, we can further focus on interpretive elements of the songs and students will feel the rewards of making beautiful music with their own free and unique sound.

gs from the popular music genre (Jazz, Rock, Pop)
- body & posture as a support for your singing
- singing harmonies

I can't wait to meet you and to start singing with you!

*****I can travel farther than 10 miles on a case by case basis. For distances greater than 10 miles, I do also charge additional. Please feel free to message me directly to discuss rates and times for that.

as a piano teacher at the Piano Studio. Using the lessons he had learned from his visit to the doctor, he started to form his philosophy on teaching. No matter what the challenges of the student, Alex will always strive to work through those challenges and do his best to successfully teach that student.

There have been a few piano beginners that have come by the Piano Studio that were assigned to Alex’s teaching roster. When they started, they were clearly some of the hardest beginners he has had to work with. One parent even remarked that her child would be impossible to teach. That parent was fortunately wrong! For months, now, this student follows Alex's instructions very clearly and has been paying attention every lesson. This is an example of how Alex's tenacity has paid off.

With a full studio of nearly twenty students per week while attending San Jacinto College, Alex stuck by with this principle of never giving up. Even when it seemed discouraging, he never gave up on any of his students as long as his students never give up on themselves. This, he believes, is what separates teachers who are passionate at their work, and teachers who just try to get by.

Currently, Alex teaches at a piano studio in Webster, TX, while attending the University of St. Thomas. Additionally, he performs weekly at a local Church as the staff organist and pianist.

debut with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra as the winner of their Concerto Competition. She was also the first prize winner of the Houston Tuesday Musical Club’s Ruth Burr Competition for Instrumentalists in 2017, the San Antonio Tuesday Musical Club’s Young Artists Competition in Strings in 2016, the college division of the 2017 American Harp Society Greater Houston Chapter Mildred Milligan Scholarship Competition, and she was a finalist of the American Harp Society's Anne Adams Awards in 2018.

Cindy was offered a full-tuition scholarship throughout her undergraduate studies at Rice University. This past May, she received her Bachelor of Music degree with "Distinction in Research and Creative Works". Cindy is currently in her graduate studies with a full-tuition scholarship. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, sewing, and discovering good food with family and friends.