Guitar Lessons in Derwood, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My background in piano playing and composition development is synopsized on my website www.ivorytunes.com as follows: "Enlighten yourself to contemporary new piano music with a jazzy, movie theme flair that emboldens variety, flair and a fresh change to the choices in the current market. The Ivory Tunes website of Vint Hill, VA showcases original piano songs composed by Mike Ryon. His ambition is to add variety and pizzas to your current listening and playing repertoire as well as inspire developing performance musicians to venture down the path of original song composition through inward inspiration and creative enjoyment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never want to pressure or overwhelm a student with too much information or expectation, because instead of the instruction being seen as a challenge, it is interpreted as an unenjoyable command, and that discourages the student from practicing to meet their goals, instead of motivating and inspiring them. What I find works best is relating lessons to popular current music, further exploring the bridge of dynamics that make up the songs that the student enjoys. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

For begining student I typically start with a book called Essential Elements. I supplement some of the things in the book with other literature and hand written exercise to help enhance learning experience. For Adults I try to find what genre and music style they would like to work on. This then allows me to plan a custom learning experience that best suits them and what they're looking to gain from the experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style has been described as one that rewards hard work and dedication, but leaves room for experimentation and fun. I believe that each student has unique gifts to offer the world, and it is my job to uncover them through a combination of connecting to the individual as a person and allowing their personality and aptitude to shine. My goal is always to inspire my students to want to learn, instead of fostering an environment where they feel forced into it. Read More

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

I am a big believer in creating a space for students to explore their musical interests. The most important part of music lessons is the development of a relationship between teacher and student. From this, great things can happen. Learning a musical instrument is difficult and developing regular practice habits is one of biggest challenges that students encounter. I have found that establishing rapport and trust, and out of that creating a fun environment, is the best way to foster an atmosphere that will inspire the student to pick up their instrument outside the lesson. Read More

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

My teaching experience started after college, teaching a family friend bass guitar. From there I realized I could just as well teach guitar, piano, and saxophone as well. I find it rewarding to watch people grow and learn skills they can use the rest of their life, enriching their life with the expression of music. From taking private lessons of my own on saxophone and guitar throughout high school and college, I've learned that consistency of practice is key! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing for me is that the student is playing in every lesson. I like to know what the student enjoys listening to, and go from there. It is my belief that there is nothing too hard to learn. Whatever the student is interested in, I promise we can get there. Learning songs not only helps build interests, but is one of the best ways to learn. I strongly believe in the importance of improvisation because I believe it helps develop many skills, and I love jamming with students in lessons. Read More