Cottage Grove, WI Piano Lessons

atles, U2, Paul Simon, Tori Amos, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, and B-52's.

*** Lesson Details ***
For beginners, I generally use the Bastien Beginner series starting at the Primer Level and going through to Level Four. Depending on the student, going through the beginner level can take anywhere from four to six years. I use a lesson book, supplemental song book which features concepts learned, and a Theory book for written homework. Within 3-6 months, starting at the Primer Level, student will be reading notes on the musical staff and playing short pieces with both hand together.

Intermediate level students work on repetoire pieces from classical, ragtime, modern, jazz and popular music.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need to have a piano or keyboard in their home

I am thoroughly background checked every year and work with local after school programs in the area.

ip and stroke technique as well as the use of a metronome. I will teach the student to read rhythms and drum set notation. I know how to isolate difficult patterns, break them down into understandable parts, and reintegrate them into a piece. I like to use the music that a student enjoys to relate to the written music. I have found YouTube to be an indispensable tool for this, and my students have responded very well. I will work on snare drum technique as well, because it is the primary voice on the set, and the touch and nuance required to play it well relate to the set as well. I will tailor my instruction to suit the student's learning style and preferences. I want to make the learning fun, so I will help the student quickly gain the basic skills to play along with their favorite bands. This promotes musicality as well as solid time. It will also aid in transcription, which will come with development and is a valuable tool. I will use this in tandem with technique-building exercises to form a well rounded musician. I believe that a student should have a familiarity with his/her instrument, so we will also go over the anatomy and tuning of the set. Above all, music should be fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ drum set, hand drums, and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a practice pad, snare drum, and sticks. If a student wishes to have drum set lessons in his/her home, that instrument should be there.
**Please note** I do have a drum set in my home.

*** Specialties ***
For the drum set, I am the most experienced in rock, country, and bluegrass styles. I am comfortable with both Stevens and Burton grips for mallet instruments.

1. *** See my article on drum set tips! ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-read-drum-sheet-music
2. ***See my article about the benefits of learning drums as an adult.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-to-drum-as-an-adult
3. *** See my article on Efficient Practice Methods. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-practice-drums-z07
4. *** See my article on Coordination Exercises. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/hand-eye-coordination-exercises-for-drummers-z07
5. *** See my article on Snare Drum Basics. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/5-exercises-to-master-snare-drum-basics-z07
6. *** See my Gear Guide article on drum sticks. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/which-drum-sticks-are-the-best-z07
7. *** See my Gear Guide article on Drum Sets. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/best-drum-set-brands-z07
8. *** See my Gear Guide article on cymbals. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-cymbals-z07
9. ***See my article about different grips.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-hold-drum-sticks-z07
10. **See my article about drum apps. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/apps-for-drummers-z07
11. **See my article about drum thrones. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-thrones-gear-for-drummers-z07
12. **See my article about nailing performances.**
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-performance-tips-z07
13. ***See my article about rudiments.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/7-essential-drum-rudiments-z07
14. ***See my article about tuning your drums.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-tuning-z07
15. ***See my article about reading drum charts/tabs.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-charts-for-beginners-z07
16. ***See my article about different types of sticks/effects.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/types-of-drum-sticks-z07#comment-910418
17. ***See my article about Bass Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/bass-drum-technique-z07
18. ***See my article on Snare Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-snare-drum-z07
19. ***See my article on Fills.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-fills-z07
20.*** See my article on Different Drum Types.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/guide_to_different_types_of_drums_z07

Recording Credits: "The Mary Rose" and "Normandie" from the album, Demos and Premiers, by Callen Clarke and Kyle Dillingham

15 mile radius of Franklin MA (Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk, Medway, Holliston, Bellingham, Milford, Millis, Hopkinton, Holliston. etc.)

Please double check with me about scheduling as my schedule changes often and my calendar isn’t always 100% accurate

*** Studio Equipment ***
PIANO
Fender Rhodes
Casio PX-150

DRUMS
Pearl Masters, Yamaha, DW, Roland TD-6

CYMBALS
Zildjian, Sabian, Wuhan, Paiste,

HARDWARE
Pearl, Yamaha, DW, Axis, Tama

STICKS / BRUSHES / MALLETS
Vic Firth, Vater, Regal Tip

PA
QSC - K8

MICROPHONES
SURE, Rhodes

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide handouts, transcriptions, and a PA speaker to play music.
Students should have a Piano, drum set, or percussion instrument.

*** Specialties ***
PIANO / DRUMS / PERCUSSION

Traditional / Suzuki Method

Rock, FunK, Jazz, World, Classical, Orchestral

Note reading and writing, Harmony, Music Theory, Scales, Ear Training, Arranging

Rudiments, Technique, Brushes, Mallets, Double Bass Drumming, Odd Meters, Reading, Soloing

Timpani, Marimba, Bells, Chimes, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Percussion, Congas, Bongos, Djembe, Frame Drums

students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed.

I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors.

My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, but I do Not offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing.

A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops.

I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Stand and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

rds to play along with church groups, holiday songs for parties, and those who just want to learn their favorite songs on the radio. My students have performed recitals at churches, the mall, and retirement homes.

I have all of the books and skill needed to teach piano, and I hope you're excited to get started. I try to make sure that we have fun in lessons while learning new skills and pieces. Let me know if you have any questions!

"Ms. Betsy provided superb, structured piano instruction to my daughter, who was initially, less than enthusiastic about learning to play the piano. With Ms. Betsy’s patient and persistent encouragement, Elena learned the foundations of music theory and how to apply the principles of musicianship. In addition, Ms. Betsy coordinated opportunities that included a duet I played with my daughter. I would recommend Ms. Betsy to anyone searching for a dedicated, caring and qualified piano teacher."