Guitar Lessons in Chantilly, VA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

For beginner that are children ... I use "Excellence in Theory" by Ryan Nowlin Bruce Pearson ... to cover music theory and ear training. After completion of this work I move the student to Bela Bartok's MikroCosmos Volume 1 or other available method books. I also come up with materials of my own from time to time ... each student is different ... so I take the approach of learning the student as I work with them ... with the idea that I will tailor the education to work best for the student! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I cater to the needs of every student. My enjoyment from music lessons is sparked by the enjoyment of my students. I find the appropriate level of engagement and challenge for every student, and apply strategies and assignments accordingly. I've worked with so many students over the years, that my style is that which is flexible based upon student interest. I am able to teach Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, Pop, and every style in between because I find a way to teach songs that my students like. Read More

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

I have been teaching private lessons for 10 years. Encouraging students to practice regularly and to have fun with their instrument is essential for the learning process. I stress the importance of these two things so that the student may develop a love for music and their instrument of choice. Also, being able to teach a variety of musical styles keeps students wanting to learn. I encourage students to not only learn written pieces, but to create their own music and individual sound. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

With beginner students I like to start off learning to read music (it's not that hard!) I like to use the Mel Bay Method 1 book as a teaching tool. This book has two strong points, it explains the fundamentals of music very well and is easy to understand, while starting off playing songs right away. Once we have enough of the basics down then I start working on guitar techniques and learning songs that focus on those skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

 If the student does not reach his/her goal and they put in genuine effort and most importantly, heart, then undoubtedly they have gained from it and I am never one to harshly criticize a student.  If I think they can do better I will tell them how, but for me, music is made primarily for enjoyment and self improvement and not for the approval of others or to be better than others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If I could spend the rest of my life just playing, writing, and performing, I'd want for nothing else. I believe that to share the joy of understanding and creating music with another is the greatest gift I can give them. Teaching is how I give back what I feel to be an enormous karmic debt I owe the world for allowing me the delights of acting as a vessel for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My first passion has always and will always be music. I have been involved in music performance all my life, from singing in church at the age of four to being in performing arts magnet programs at Hyattsville Middle School and Suitland High School. I formed a love for psychology later in life. Fortunately, I have found a field of study that will allow me to pursue both at once, music therapy. Read More