Bass Lessons in Chevy Chase, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with John W. Shaum piano course. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching balances improvisation-guided exploration with firm technical training. It is important for students to be excited about discovering new things as well as being encouraged by achieving clearly-defined realistic goals, which we discuss at every lesson. In addition to this balance, I encourage a lot of listening. Music is a 'heard art' and learning to listen attentively is key to musical growth. To this end, listening assignments (and likely additional suggestions!) are usually given in every lesson, determined by the student's interests, area of study, and current focus. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Observing and listening to a variety of different artist and styles of music pertaining to your respective instrument; helps you gain a great deal of insight of how the playing of your instrument can possibly look, as well as how the playing your instrument can possibly sound. Routine practice and the application of knowledge, as it pertains to proper posture, breathing techniques, embouchure formation, handling positions, and expression, helps you perform from your core and the depths of your soul. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Tuba

A composer might even come to me for a better understanding of writing for these instruments. Now days I recognize that the majority of the students have (never heard of any of these method books just mentioned). I also will listen to students play from other methods that they may have studied from other teachers. With the advent of the internet there is a large amount of material available to students and it can be to say the least overwhelming to find a teacher, and to know how to learn an instrument and not give up. Read More