Music Lessons in Brandy, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

The most important and rewarding thing for me to see is a student's passion for music encouraged. While trumpet technique and routine will be heavily emphasized for all students, it is important to realize what the student is most interested and excited about learning about. I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers throughout my life who saw my passion in particular areas of music and encouraged it. I would most likely not be a musician if that was not the case, and so I look to push my students towards their passions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For students of all ages I focus on fundamentals by using, The Remington and Arbans books, but for beginners Hal Leonard's Essential Elements is a great start. The fundamentals are never mastered, and the Arbans and Remington methods, are time tested and proven methods for improving on Trombone. I also use the Arnold Jacob's method of Song and Wind. I also think it is important to let students choose their own issues to work on. 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: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, it is important to remember that the individual is key. From the youngest beginner to the seasoned pro, everyone learns in their own individual way. Because of this, I find it very necessary to hone in on the interests, aptitude, and abilities of each of my students in order to give them the best possible instruction. A student who is engaged on their own terms and who has a say in their own path through music instruction often becomes a successful and lifelong musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I see myself as a facilitator, helping students discover new elements of music and music theory and building upon those to create a greater understanding of reading and playing music both for piano and voice. Often i will model by playing a song first so that the student cannot not only hear what is sounds like but observe my technique, finger changes, dynamic ranges, tempo and so on. There are many elements to performing a piece besides just playing the correct notes! Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students I stress the importance of reading music, so I heavily work on their rhythmic and melodic vocabulary. I am not set on a particular methods book because I am a firm believer that all students learn differently and some methods work better for some than others. I like to be adaptive in my teaching and mold my lessons to fit the needs of each individual student. Read More