Laurel Music Lessons: What We Do
At Laurel Music Lessons, we have several goals for you as students. Ultimately, we focus on technique, your ability to read music, your ability to perform on your chosen instrument, your understanding of musicality, and ear training. We aim for a structured learning process, but we are also very flexible in your choice of songs to learn and try to incorporate those songs in your learning process.
Laurel Music Lessons holds two recitals a year and though they are not mandatory, Alexis and Joshua believe that performance on your chosen instrument(s) is an important part of the learning process. The opportunity to show what you’ve learned and play alongside other students like you is a wonderful part of taking music lessons. At LML, we believe that recitals are great milestones for looking back at what you’ve done in order to stay motivated for new growth in the future.
Violin
Both Alexis and Joshua have studied violin extensively since their childhood. We have experience in nearly all genres including but not limited to classical, country, bluegrass, jazz, rock, and blues. However, we do believe the old adage, “if you can play classical you can play anything”. In that respect, we have a very effective curriculum that has helped a plethora of students learn and excel at playing the violin.
Classical music is not a prerequisite when taking lessons with us, but we do suggest starting out in this vein as it helps produce the best posture. Great posture leads to great sound production and once you’ve acquired that, you can learn any other genre you so desire. That said, if you prefer starting with a different genre such as “country” or “bluegrass”, we would be more than happy to accommodate you.
Violin is known as the instrument that most closely resembles the human voice and in that way it sounds very organic. There’s a reason that the violin has weathered the tests of time. It is an absolutely beautiful instrument that carries with it distinction and prestige.
Piano
The piano has had songs written about it by the likes of Billy Joel. This instrument can be used to accompany you as you sing, or become a virtuosic performing instrument of it’s own. It’s a very versatile instrument with a wide tonal range. Alexis would be your instructor at Laurel Music Lessons. The piano has a wide range of applications and you will quickly see how the piano can be used in playing genres such as jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, R&B, soul, fusion, and neoclassical.
Guitar
The guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument loved and adored by millions of musicians across the world. It can simply be a vehicle to deliver your songs or it can become a virtuosic instrument. Whatever goal you have for you and your guitar, Laurel Music Lessons can help. Joshua has played in various groups specializing in various genres that included but are not limited to jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, R&B, soul, fusion, and neoclassical.
We strive to give you the tools to succeed. You will learn how to play single notes, strum chords, carry rhythm, and play lead guitar. Additionally, though it is not mandatory, we suggest learning to read sheet music as it helps you to memorize and therefore master, the neck and the notes on your guitar.
When learning guitar you will learn the proper technique and form as well as ways to become as proficient on the instrument as you desire.
Bass Guitar
The bass is the sonic foundation of the rhythm section of any band. Without a bass line, songs can sound hollow and empty. The bass fills out the band, and here at Laurel Music Lessons, we want to help you fill that void. When learning bass, you’ll be taught proper technique, timing and musicality, and how to master the fretboard in addition to reading sheet music notation. Joshua will cover various genres that include but are not limited to jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, R&B, soul, and fusion.
Music Theory
Music theory is an incredible tool for the musician. Within our instrument lessons, we incorporate music theory at the times appropriate for the student’s progression and learning. However, we also offer music theory courses independent of the lessons in which a student learns their respective instrument. Whether you are a student in school who needs extra help with a music course, you want to learn more theory to help you write better songs, or you simply want to know everything there is to know about music, we can help you in your quest to better understand music theory.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are generally held for violin and guitar. These classes can be used to see if you’re interested in an instrument, as well as our goal of creating an ensemble/orchestra. Group classes help you learn how to play with other musicians and give you valuable knowledge like following a conductor, keeping time, melody and harmony, and where you fit into a group of instruments. At LML, we highly recommend you consider taking group lessons with other students at your level (each class is a certain level).
Additionally, during our camps, group lessons take the form of bands or small music ensembles where students form cohesive musical groups with other students, on their respective instruments.