Music Lessons in Brandy Station, VA

Instruments: Piano

For the youngest students, I begin with Music for Little Mozarts or John Thompson method books and a lot of music related games. Flash cards assist with retention of musical terms and notes. I also provide worksheets to help reinforce what the students learn. Later I add exercises to help with rhythm and agility. Older students I begin with John Thompson method books or Bastien method books, theory books, and exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time for school years, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 17 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

It is a wonderful experience to see a student begin to flourish and grow into the music! I have found that music for young and old can be just the stimulus required to empower someone ... build confidence ... and enrich their lives unlike most other endeavors. Music is something that you can internalize and bring forth in totally new ways ... making it a new creation of your own! I encourage expression for those students that reach a level to do so ... but along the way and from the beginning I encourage students to take their time on a lesson ... goes as slow as it takes to get better at the challenge. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been playing guitar for over 40 years now, and have spent 6 years in guitar lessons myself. Three of those years were devoted to studying classical guitar. I have been teaching for over 12 years, and now instruction has becomethe main focal point of my playing. When I was 30 I decided to go back intoguitar lessons and study classical guitar. This was very challanging but made me a much better player all around. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I started playing piano at the age of 6 and have taken lessons progressively to advance my skills consistently. Once I ventured into music composition I attended numerous summer music camp workshops in Lubec, Main annually. After attending my first workshop there I completed and obtained a copyright for my first 2 original pieces - "Cruisin' with Chrome" and "Not a Care in the World". 5 more pieces will be submitted for a copyright request in late 2019. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

The concept of discovery by experimentation alwaysguided my music studies. I think that is really important when it comes to learning music. I had the opportunity to play and study the most diverse genres and styles that spam from jazz to classical, from pop music to electronic. In my lessons, I always teach the student to listen first, to appreciate the chosen style or genre and then, reproduce it. I think the most important thing to learn about music is that you need to let it become second nature. Read More