I teach children and adults differently because of their naturally differing goals, preferences, and skill levels.

Approach for Young Students

Music is a language, and I aim to cultivate musical fluency, not just instrumental proficiency. 

In order to be fluent in any language, one must think in that tongue, as well as listen & speak, read & write.

• Think — Music theory

• Listen — Ear-training

• Speak — Instrumental technique / improvisation

• Read — Musical literacy

• Write — Composition / songwriting

Every lesson will be spent working through a method book and doing ear training exercises. Method books provide an abundance of songs ordered by progressive difficulty that develop instrumental technique and musical literacy. Ear training exercises will conclude each lesson.

Some lessons will, in time, be spent on more advanced concepts such as music theory, improvisation, and composition.   

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Again, I develop musicians not just pianists / guitarists.

I focus holistically because it leads to:

1. Superior musicianship, and

2. Boundless opportunity,

I want to open as many musical doors as I can for my students. Who knows what musical interests they’ll develop as they grow up, and what a wonderful gift to provide them with the translatable musical skills and knowledge to pursue their passion as a cellist, hip-hop producer, funk guitarist, choral member, or jazz singer when the aspiration emerges.

Approach for Adult Students

Due to the wide variety of musical backgrounds, preferences, and aspirations of adults, I do not have a one size fits all approach. My overarching goal is simply that you’re enjoying yourself and improving.

For adult beginners, read my Approach for Young Students and see if that’d interest you. In the long run, I think that’s the best way to go. But perhaps you have a style or set of songs that interest you and want to play that stuff as soon as possible? Totally understandable and we’ll craft a plan to get you there during the first lesson.

For advanced adults, there really isn’t a one size fits all for you! Give me a call and we can chat about what you’re working on, why you’re thinking of lessons, and what musical questions you have. There’s a good chance I’ll know where you’re at and how I can help you after a few minutes, and if not, I won’t waste either of our time acting like I can.

As for my musical endeavors, I’m really into everything: Jazz, Classical, Popular, and Folk. So let’s start a conversation to see if we share any specific interests and decide if we’d be a good match for each other!