West Jordan Music Lessons

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*A recording device (IPhone, digital recorder)

, effect pedals, recording equipment, manuscript paper, and more. Piano lessons are conducted at the student's home.

I picked up the bass during high school, and performed in the school's jazz ensemble, guitar ensemble, orchestra, symphonic band, and percussion ensemble. These groups help me establish foundational skills on both bass guitar and upright bass, and provided me with an understanding of the prevalence and diversity of bass in many types of music. In 2011, I began studying music at the University of Utah, and graduated in December 2014 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. During that time, I was able to study under the best musicians in Utah, exploring numerous areas of music, including theory, history, composition, recording, performance technique, and many more. It was during this time that I established my private studio, as well as began teaching at the Granger School of Music in Park City, where I also help develop music courses for high school credit.

I have had the pleasure of playing in many different bands and ensembles for over 10 years. During this time, I have played throughout Utah and surrounding states, embarked on a handful of tours, appeared on TV and radio, and participated in multiple recording projects. Recent projects include Hot House West, Crook & The Bluff, and Charles Ellsworth.

y of Chicago Symphony Orchestra for two years and took gigs as a classical and improvisational chamber musician throughout the city. In addition to my private studio, I was the primary cello instructor at Musical Chairs Studio, Inc. and Ortegan School of Music in Chicago.

I am also a percussionist and teacher with Salt Lake City's Samba Fogo, an afro-Brazilian music and cultural organization. I have studied Brazilian music with some of the major musicians and scholars in the field at California Brazil Camp in Cazadero, California. My training in percussion has brought an entirely new perspective to my musical practice that highlights rhythmic fluency and precision as a foundational element for both left and right hand stringed instrument technique.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am excited to offer lessons to people of all ages and ability levels and have experience teaching within and beyond the Suzuki Method approach.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s experience, individual needs, and most importantly, their goals! Lesson plans will combine interactive rhythmic, singing and listening exercises away from the instrument with music theory and technique-building exercises. The aim is to cultivate musicians with strong rhythmic, aural, and technical foundations and great problem solving skills that will open many doors as you or your child grow into your talent.

I aim to develop well-rounded musicians and performers by focusing on these 5 teaching priorities:
1. Balanced posture of body including instrument and bow hold
2. Balanced tone production or "tonalization"
3. A system of "perfect" or excellent intonation
4. Artistic musicianship in performance
5. Learning notes and bowings to new pieces

While learning notes and bowings is lowest on the priority list; it must be taught first! Fun listening games aid in the development of aural memory as I help students acquire listening skills that will stay with them for years to come and allow them learn to play any tune they can imagine. Once my students can do the note choosing on their own we are free to focus on the other teaching priorities during lesson time.

I also focus on teaching my students how to practice efficiently and use excellent problem solving skills! We want to get the MOST improvement with the LEAST amount of practice time. I like to combine practice at the instrument with games and exercises that can be done away from the instrument to give each student a degree of flexibility for those busy weeks when it's hard to find time to sit down and play. Students leave each lesson with a detailed practice plan that breaks down the difficult question of "what" and "how" to practice into a clear, concise checklist of familiar exercises. Students will also have suggested YouTube videos to watch some of the best musicians of all time and learn from their mastery of technique and musicality!

*** Additional Information***

I also have experience with extended and amplified cello techniques using loop and distortion pedals to layer and explore the variety and versatility of the cello.

*** Travel Equipment ***
2015 Subaru Forester that will get me to your lesson with all my instruments and any other equipment each and every time!

I travel to lessons with a music stand, metronome, and all teaching materials that would be present at a lesson taught in my home or studio.

I would love to help you learn the piano, and I will do my best to make learning as effective as possible. I especially enjoy teaching those who quit and would like to try again, because I know what that is like.

Concerning my musical background, I've played, arranged, and composed piano for choirs, bands, jazz combos, singers. I've been in bands all my life, and have composed for jazz bands, choirs, and orchestras at BYU and in Eastern Europe. I also play about 10 different instruments. I won two Student Emmys in Hollywood for my compositions to BYU's animations in 2010 & 2014.

I am currently writing music for video games.

fferently I am able to apply to my own teaching. This way the students get the absolute best learning with the time they are given. I don't just follow a lesson plan but I teach towards the students needs. I don't move on unless that student understands every aspect of the basics and what we are working on.
I absolutely love teaching and I look forward to what the future holds!

ell as you ear training and sight reading on any instrument. I have arranged and composed many pieces both for soloist and choral groups.

I am a energetic instructor and will do everything I can to help you improve in the areas that you would like and make sure that you achieve your musical goals.