Conversing in Music

My experiments and experiences teaching music to a wide gamut of ages have convinced me that, contrary to popular belief, musical thinking can (and should) be learned by nearly everyone. Like mathematics, some people may find it easier than others; but acquiring skill is a matter of finding and using the thinking tools that work best for you, and putting in the right kind of practice.

I offer individual weekly lessons in Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, or Recorder. The aim of my approach to music instruction is for my students to not only learn to read and perform songs on their chosen instruments, but also to become truly conversant with music by internalizing fundamental concepts such as: rhythm as movement like dance gestures; melodic phrasing as rhetorical storytelling; and chord theory as emotional color palette. I want to help my students develop life skills that improve the qualities of all our lives and of all the music we share.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, I am teaching all lessons online through video conferencing platforms (Zoom or Skype).