Dickinson Music Lessons

when they feel frustrated. Students' interests will be taken into consideration for the pieces chosen and the style of lessons given. Teaching has always been my passion. I get to know the personality of my students so we can work together to bring out the musical talent in each of them. Student recital is held at least once every year. I encourage all students to participate in the recital.

*** Studio Equipment ***
One Yamaha upright piano and one Yamaha grand piano (for advanced students)

Dedicated chair for parents who choose to wait or observe during the lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
I am a classical musician by training, although I do play other styles as well.

(Performed with Myron Florin at the Wurstfest in Texas for 10 years!).

I teach the piano keyboard accordion as well as the B & C system Chromatic. I also have written lesson materials for the 3 row Diatonic Accordion. Before I closed the physical studio - I had an accordion teaching staff of over 6 instructors and 125 students.

*** On-Line Lesson***
Lesson material will be emailed in advance. Min. Charge based on selections used.

*** Lesson Materials ***
I use Palmer & Hughes instruction books and personally arranged selections for the taste of the student. I use personally produced accompaniment CDs for enhanced performance of students. I train classically (you can chose to learn all your technique and chord progressions) and instruct to the style the student wants. Pop & Standards, Italian, German, French, Cajun, Tex-Mex, etc.

years. Students who have studied with him come from a wide range of backgrounds with different goals. Those who have continued with musical studies in college have consistently placed out of at least the first two semesters of music theory and achieved advanced placement in their chosen fields of study. Those who chose a different path continue to benefit from the education and training they received from taking music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
There is no "standard formula" to lessons. Each student has their own unique background, needs, and goals. Lessons tend to be somewhat casual but are structured in such a way as to meet the unique requirements of the student.

To accomplish your goals, there are a few requirements and basic expectations that the student and parent must meet.
The first is practice. Students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time. This, above all else, is essential to progress. It is also expected that a parent will attend lessons for students who are too young to drive themselves here. It's important for a parent to guide the student's practice time (particularly for younger students) to ensure that the most is gained from it. This is why I ask that a parent observe lessons.
Each student or parent should bring to each lesson a notebook, pencils (with erasers). The notebook will be used to record notes about each lesson, homework, practice advice, etc. Pencils (not pens...nobody's perfect!) are used by composers to record their creations and performers to mark their music. Both of these essential practices are subject to changing thought and must be open to change. So no ink, please!

Performers: It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson for beginners. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons and will be a large focus for all non-readers. Lessons are not learned "by ear." A certain amount of theory will be a part of every lesson just as technique and repertoire. Concerning repertoire, it will be selected based on the student's learning needs but also with their input. The main emphasis on performance lessons, however, will be technique and reading. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.
Note: Voice students must be at least 16 years of age.

Composers: Just as with performers, it is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons. Many young composers have great ideas but can only hear them in their heads or play them on an instrument. Lessons will allow you to obtain the skills to write them down with greater speed, accuracy, and clarity. More advance students will also include exploring a wider range of harmonic languages, advanced notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and aural skills. Students should come to the first lesson with examples of their work, either written, notated, or recorded in a digital format. They should be prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
• To reschedule a lesson, more than one day notice is required.

• Make up lessons must be scheduled before the next regular lesson.

• A make up lesson cannot be scheduled in place of a regular lesson.

• If, for any reason, two 30-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 30-minute lessons, not one 60 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• If, for any reason, two 45-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 45-minute lessons, not one 90 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• the studio space is also inhabited by two lovely cats. Do consider this when signing up for lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha DGX-650 weighted 88 keys full sized keyboard
area for parents to sit and observe lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Main area is in classical music and media scoring with secondary focus on musical theatre vocal performance and composing/arranging.

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.

she is best known for co–founding the Houston Youth Harp Ensemble, a semester–long program for harp students of all ages and levels in Houston. During their inaugural season, the first semester was dedicated to the music of movies and musicals, and the spring semester was focused on learning the music of cultures around the world. Before moving to Houston, she coached non-major, college–aged students at the University of Illinois, taught music classes at the prestigious International Preschool in New York City, and developed a teaching and playing program for children with behavioral and communication disorders in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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.

gion orchestras and competed at the state level in Solo and Ensemble contests.

Each of my students receives tailored instruction based on their strengths, goals, and needs. I love watching my students grow into musical individuals, and I look forward to meeting you!

Galleria mall, Memorial city mall, as well as the Bellerive Ice Center.

ncluding the Nicol-Brown invitational contest in 2009. I know what it takes to work hard and to get results.

I am a science teacher full time and hold a Master's Degree in Education. Using this training, I am able bring the pedagogical side from my career into teaching the bagpipes: by meeting every student where they are, and giving them the patience and tools they need to succeed.

I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity of allowing me to help you reach your personal bagpiping goals!