Ear-Based Worship & Modern Music Lessons
Serving Kids Ages 8-16 in Elk Grove and Online
Hear it. Love it. Play it.
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Hear it. Love it. Play it. ~~
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From the very first lesson, students learn to play real, recognizable songs—not just scales, drills, or disconnected exercises. Technique and theory are taught in context, using music that actually sounds like music. This helps students understand why skills matter, builds confidence quickly, and keeps them engaged because they can hear real progress right away. Exercises still exist, but they serve the song—not the other way around.
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Practice shouldn’t feel like a daily battle. Our approach is designed to make practice rewarding, creative, and achievable, so students want to sit down and play. By focusing on ear-based learning, patterns, and familiar sounds, students experience success faster and feel ownership over their progress. When practice is enjoyable and meaningful, consistency follows—and that’s where real growth happens.
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We focus on practical musicianship that translates beyond the lesson room. Students learn how to play with others, adapt on the fly, listen, follow structure, and perform with confidence. Whether they’re preparing for a recital, playing in a youth worship band, or simply making music with friends and family, they develop real-world skills that last far beyond a single performance or school year.
20+ years teaching • A clear, individualized path • Students performing within months
“At some point, I kind of just lost interest.”
Have you heard that before? Or maybe even said it yourself?
According to research, 80% of piano students quit after 3 years! And yet, most music teachers still use the same old method book approach.
I personally learned the old way, and later I learned how to play by ear. During those first few years, I never practiced. Now, I can sit down and play any song I hear, usually the first time.
And it’s way more satisfying AND useful than deciphering standard sheet music!
Furthermore, it doesn’t take many years of practice to get good at it. With my unique approach, my students can play most songs by ear within the first year!
Many people think they can play by ear. But there's a difference between playing by rote (which is what most untrained musicians do) and playing by ear.
Playing by rote is "I show you what to play; you copy me and play it yourself." Playing by ear is actually hearing what’s going on and being able to play back what you heard. (And I'm not talking about pecking around until you find the right note!)
Many people are stuck. You have 1) those that learned traditional note-reading and can't play anything that's not written down, 2) those that learned by rote and can only play what someone shows them how to play, and 3) those that learned some structure and theory but not the artistry. They might be able to read a chord chart, but their playing sounds blocky and uninspired.
I don’t want you (or your child) to end up in one of those categories, knowing there’s still a lot of untapped potential and not sure what to do about it.
My students enjoy their musical learning journey, and they find purpose in being able to play the songs they love!
You are welcome to explore our approach, learn a little about me, and see how we operate on this site. Then, when you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a free 15-minute consult to find out our current options and get started.
I look forward to being part of your or your child’s musical growth!
“I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me - like food or water.”
— Ray Charles