Music Lessons in Airlie, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

My teaching philosophy encourages exploration of music with a focus on the uniqueness of each individual student and their particular aspirations, typically emphasizing reading classical music and improvising solos for Jazz or other more contemporary styles while having fun growing as a musician! I try to make sure lessons are fun and rewarding by adapting my teaching style to focus on the student's learning style and interests. For jazz students I encourage a lot of back and forth play-a-long between myself and the student or between the student and a play-a-long track. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

Functional Voice Method, also known as Rabine Method is a voice pedagogy created by singer, chorus director and voice teacher Maestro Eugene Rabine. Voice health is essential and the cornestone of this pedagogy. Understanding our physiollogy and anatomy and how to reach a balance in wich the vocal cords can work with no extra stress or tension. Self-perception is the guide and nothing is more comfortating that getting in touch with our own physiology, rather than follow external rules or images of how our voices should work or sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I am a pianist, collaborative pianist, piano teacher, and vocal coach with over 20 years experience working with conservatories, universities, opera companies and music festivals. As a performer I have played solo, symphonic and chamber music repertory in the US and Europe. As I teacher, I have been on the Evening Division Faculty of The Juilliard School for the past nine years, where I teach a course in the preparation of art song and opera. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love teaching, it's what I'm very passionate about and gifted at. I am aware that everyone learns differently, and I will teach accordingly to your needs. To help someone grow in their passion as well, one that we share, is a great reward. With my teaching style you will learn how to play your instrument with pride, passion, and power (The three P's). You will have fun while learning new techniques, and patterns to grow your skill level and passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

Piano: For beginning students who are children, I start by teaching out of the Faber Piano Adventure books. I find that they focus on the more exciting aspects of music, such as sight reading. This is different from the Bastion books which I think focus too much on more challenging (and boring) methods such as articulation. The Faber books are great because they have fun short songs that the student can play with the teacher in a duet. Read More

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

Hello! My name is Donovan, and I am an instructor who specializes in ear training and technique. Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More