I have been teaching private lessons to students for over 30 years. I have taught composition, piano, flute, clarinet and saxophone. I have taught students ages 3-75. I have taught classical, jazz and popular styles. I also have taught both classes and private instruction at the Community College of Denver for over 25 years including Music Theory, Eartraining, history of Jazz, World Music, Music Appreciation, Music History, and private lessons.

I have been teaching for many years and feel a strong connection with my students is important. I am very patient and try to be understanding of each student's learning style. I do not believe in a prescribed time of practice each day. Instead, I give my students a list of things to do when they practice and then when they are done they are done for the day. Each week we review what the student has been working on and then proceed to the new material or review the previous material in more detail if necessary. I like to assign material each week that can be completed in the week so the student can move on to new music and lessons each week to keep it fresh.

I adjust my teaching style to each student. I think this is very important. Students learn in different ways and some things work for some while they don't work for others. I often will include music history and composer background in the lessons to make them more interesting. When I first start with a student we assess what level they are at and look at any background they might have had. Then, together, we come up with a plan to move forward. Each week I talk with my students and ask how the week went. Was it too much, too little, just right? Then we adjust for the upcoming week.