Music Lessons in Clifton, VA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught music for 8 years and have taught ages 4-70.  In my experience, patience and flexibility is the key as everyone learns at different paces and in different ways.  I do my best to listen to the student and teach to their comfort level and have recieved very good reviews for it.  The best feeling for me as a teacher is to see at the end of a lesson that the child is not only smiling, but objectively better at their instrument than when they arrived. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

One of my greatest joys is teaching and sharing my love of music. Since graduating from Norfolk State University in 2009 with a degree in music education, my career has been devoted to teaching elementary and early childhood music as well as private clarinet and bassoon lessons. Originally from the Tidewater area in Virginia, I have had the opportunity to perform with ensembles such as the Tidewater Winds Concert Band and the Virginia Beach Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always aspired to be a versatile drummer. Growing up I idolized drummers like Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Dennis Chambers, and many of the jazz and latin greats. I learned how to play many styles of music along the way including: jazz, soul, funk, rock, pop, blues, salsa, samba, candombe, afro-beat, reggae, symphonic percussion, and the avante garde. I am a strong believer in developing solid reading skills, learning and listening to many styles of music, and playing improvisationally. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I help them find recitals and places that I can teach them songs to learn and the students have a chance to perform live places with me for holiday musicals and some of my concerts places locally as well. I believe everyone is equal and I treat everyone so. No one gets any special treatment I help all my students teach their full voice. I teach about audition prep and assist with little tricks to help with gaining confidence performing live on stage. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Although I have been trained as a classical singer, I enjoy singing and teaching singing in a variety of genres. I believe the principals and foundation laid in classical training regarding things like breathing, placement and resonance can be transferred to any style of singing. Human beings have been singing since the dawn of their creation. Singing should be an easy, joyful thing. No lesson or teacher should ever take the joy out of the experience. Read More