The LessonWorks Methodology:

The LessonWorks methodology is based on a strong foundation in the rudiments of music. Because music is a language, as a musician it is very important to be able to read and write this language. Imagine if you could speak english, but could not read or write it, how limited your vocabulary would be. Once you "know the code" you can basically "plug in" anywhere you please. The interesting thing about it is with just a few lessons most people are able to pick it up reading quite easily. Then the more you use it the more quickly you become comfortable with it. The learning process never ends, but it's really not that hard to get started.

Proper technique is also a very important part of a good foundation. Technique, of course is simply how we do things and in my opinion, the degree to which the technique is performed with ease and fluency has a direct effect on the results. While there are many ways to approach the subject of technique, I find that most efficient way to do something is the is the most direct. Because the sounds a musician produces are so influenced by the attitude in which they are performed, technique becomes extremely important in achieving good tone quality.

Once the foundation is in place, through the use of essential and elemental exercises, then more attention can be paid to the individual student's tastes, needs and goals. I find rather than to try to determine what the level of a student is if not a complete beginner, and begin there, it is better to start with any student from the very introduction and work forward. Getting through this initial stage is usually the most difficult. While playing music especially when looking at professional players is not as easy as it looks, with proper guidance, practice and study it is relatively simple to become proficient in results. That's one of the great things about exploring music: you really do get out of it what you put in.

The LessonWorks Philosophy:

The Lessonworks Studio was founded out of a need that arose for a multi-purpose music facility, that would place the service of it's patrons above that of the bottom line. After working in retail music stores as an instructor for many years, I found that the reasons that I choose to educate young musicians, was not totally in line with the motives of the corporate world. In fact the longer I remained part of that structure, the less I enjoyed my work. As a professional musician and educator the most important thing to me in teaching is serving people and meeting their needs. The reason I have dedicated my life to music and the arts in general is somewhat selfish. Actually, the fact that music and the study of music has enriched my life so greatly is proof to the fact that the practice of art is symbolic of the challenges and rewards experienced in life. It has helped me to meet those challenges with less and less fear of failing. Not fear of making mistakes, for they are an invaluable part of the process, but the accumulated knowledge that if I am willing to take risks and keep trying despite my shortcomings eventually I will prevail. It has helped me as well to organize my time and my affairs, to become more disciplined through it's practice. The fact that music provides me with relief from the everyday stresses of life is a clear and potent reason to pursue it. To be able to share this great gift with others is a great gift in itself because I have been able to personally align what is most important to me with a career. By putting people and music first and not profit, in my opinion, creates an atmosphere where creativity can flourish.