Guitar Lessons in Takoma Park, MD

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I found love when I learned to make music. I have been playing saxophone since elementary school and even focused my college studies around it, graduating with honors from Florida AM University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music. I've had a wide range of experiences through music from Superbowl appearances to touring China as a musical ambassador for the 2008 Olympic games. I've performed with a number of well known jazz and classically trained musicians including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Style: Lessons should be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, one that is conducive to learning. I go about teaching by demonstrating,explaining and elucidating the different musical concepts.Every student is unique , so i utilize various methods and different approaches to suit each individual's needs and capabilities. In my many years of teaching, what I have realized is that proper technique should be emphasized as early as possible so that the student will not carry bad traits both in practice and in performance. Read More

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

For students who are beginners, I usually start with the Hal Leonard Essential Elements 2000 books. Not only are they a great source for fingering charts and basic instrument fundamentals, but they also offer great full band exercises in band balance and togetherness as well. Once the beginner student learns more fingerings and is able to read music from the book faster, I will give the student beginner etudes and studies to build their embouchure and fingering skills. 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

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Music theory is very important ... because this will help the student begin to see 'patterns' in their playing, hearing and education of how songs progress through changes, chord progressions, etc. This is most important because students also need to work on music that they hear and love everyday ... particularly consisting of modern and / or pop music. A state of euphoria can be achieved once a student begins to play something that they really love to listen to ... so I always encourage learning to read and play music ... as well as just listening to something and trying to 'pick it out' for fun! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching guitar at 16 for several local music stores in the Baltimore metro area, and quickly took to working with a wide range students in a short period of time. The passion I developed for teaching the instrument at a young age pushed me to further branch out, and begin offering private lessons from my home studio several years later. In addition to this, I also pursued my own path to learning more about my instrument by attending the Community College of Baltimore County where I earned an A.A in General Studies with a concentration in music. Read More