La Marque Music Lessons

(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.

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!

Paula Page, former Houston Symphony Principal Harpist, and Joan Holland, harp instructor at the University of Michigan and Interlochen Arts Academy & Camp to cater to each of her individual student's needs.

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.

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!

cess of singing with drones from a speaker to give the student a sense of how each pitch physically feels when sung in relation to the scales base note.

Developing Motor Skills

String instruments can be thought of as a sport of the fine muscles. However, the larger muscle groups must also be maintained! I encourage my students to take part in some type of after school sport. In addition, I will go through basic stretches during each lesson that prevent injury and improve circulation.

With application to the instrument, there are two main categories of physical-technical exercises, Bow Arm and Left Hand exercises.

Bow Arm Exercises are meant to improve overall sound quality and increase flexibility. There are hundreds of these exercises, with just as many variations. I assign my students just a few each week with a specific goal in mind.

Left Hand Exercises are designed to improve dexterity, accuracy, and speed, while also correcting the hand’s shape, overall efficiency, and intonation. Again, my student receive new exercises each week in order to train the fine muscles and keep their practice fresh.

Learning a Piece of Music

I have several notions and techniques to help students learning a piece of music I break them down into a process that can be understood and carried forward by the student. They are picking a piece, creating learnable chunks, learning notes and rhythms (dynamics and articulation), understanding the form and message and performing.

aching and enjoy helping my students find their voice. I am comfortable teaching classical voice (opera and song), musical theater, and jazz.

Lessons take place in my living room (the acoustics are crazy good) where I accompany from a gorgeous Steinway Model D.