Bass Lessons in Merrifield, VA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been teaching since 1977, and I am as passionate about teaching as I was on my first day! I have taught students of all ages and levels, and learned to customize lessons to fit their stated musical goals. A number of my former students now work in the music field, from music instructors at Towson State University to local freelance musicians. I currently hold the rank if Sergeant in the Maryland Defense Force Band, serving as a percussionist/drummer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I focus on 3 fundamental aspects of music education: sight-reading, music theory and ear training. I will typically use a method book like the Berklee Basic Guitar: Phase 1 and 2 or Berklee Modern Guitar Method: Volumes 1,2,and 3, for advanced students. I also use Hal Leonard and other methods that may be more appropriate for some students. My method includes extensive use of online video and tutorial resources, plus the "Play Guitar for Life" video series that I can make available for interested students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For Piano I teach from the Faber Faber series. I used Primer and level 1 one for children and a level 1 version for late teens and adults. For Guitar/Bass I use Hal Leonard Guitar Method Series. For all my students I determine what they are interested in learning and we focus on that music while still practicing the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If I recommend a piece that the student does not enjoy playing or is too difficult for them, I will accommodate their choice and give them a piece that better suits the student. For non-beginning players, I will look at the pieces they are already playing, and assist them in skills that still need work on their piece. After the piece they are already working on is better, I will assign more pieces and studies that will not only help them with skills that need work, but also improve the skills they are already great with. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I've been teaching for over 10 years. I first try to figure the students' taste and style of music. I teach songs they like and want to learn. My theory is, there's a lesson in every song. I want lessons to be informative, educational and enjoyable. I strive to develop the student into a confident, proud musician that feels comfortable playing in any situation - not just at lesson time. I encourage all my students to interact and play with other students any chance they get, whether at school or friends Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginners, I generally will start with a beginning method book (such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements) but the book will depend on the instrument as well. For older students, I want to know what kind of music they enjoy playing or listen to, and guide them along to reach their goals--whether that be to play in a band, write and record an album, or just become a better player! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I like to find out why my students are interested in playing music. This helps me to create a lesson plan for each individual one. I like to start out teaching using Alfred's beginner books, and progress from there. Each student learns at a different pace, so I base my lessons off of their progress. I have found that doing this helps keep the student motivated and encouraged in the process of learning their given instrument. Read More