Music Lessons in Dale City, VA

Instruments: Violin

I have had lots of experiences working with young musicians. I assisted my former violin teacher who teaches at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou supervising some of his students’ practice. I helped my students to prepare for their exams, auditions, performances and competitions and a lot of them achieved satisfying outcomes. I also coached sectionals of a high school orchestra for 2 years and they were awarded 1st prize winner for the first time at the city’s interschool music contest during the second year. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

Although it is my responsibility to teach fundamentals of playing the instrument and reading music correctly, I spend as much time as I can on not becoming enslaved to the printed page. In other words, once a student begins to play at a higher level, I introduce how to express oneself and the music in an aesthetically satisfying manner. Breaking down the barriers caused by musical notation and enabling an individual to express themselves musically and with proper phrasing and sensitivity is my primary goal. Read More

Instruments: Violin Fiddle

Born in Washington D.C., I trained on violin in the Arlington area, starting with Suzuki and moving to more traditional classical studies, eventually composing and playing my own compositions starting in my early teens. I attended H.B. Woodlawn Secondary Program where I played in orchestras and numerous string ensembles, including [three?] years with the D.C. Youth Orchestra. At age 5 I took up fiddle, working with expert players from Vermont and North Carolina in jam sessions in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My beginners generally start with the "All For Strings" series to obtain the basic elements of violin playing. This curriculum provides students with virtually every phase of beginning through intermediate string study. I introduce solo repertoire that matches the musical interest of each student. I also guide my intermediate students through study of their current Middle School or High School orchestral repertoire. With adults, I endeavor to combine their tastes and interests with musical literature that is fun and sustains interest such as Mazas and Viotti duets. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

There are many different methods and styles to teach voice, but there are some basic fundamentals to good vocal technique and so for me its always important to start with a few basic warm ups, which normally includes simple vocal exercises such as scales and/or arpeggios, as well as working on good breathing. Its important for me to know what the student is interested and what they want to get out of the lessons, and specifically what repertoire they would like to work on, and from there we can work on a plan moving forward. Read More

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

For younger students I usually recommend a method book or I make copies from my own library for the student.  I usually will teach fundamentals through a book, but I always look for opportunities to convey musical principles in a more natural way, and especially for kids, fun is the most important method there is.  Often times a student will stumble upon something interesting unintentionally and I use these moments to teach, because it both encourages them to recognize their natural talent and helps the student to make connections from their limited technical skills to greater conceptual knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion

The success of my various ensembles, have allowed me to help numerous students to receive music scholarships to some of our country’s finest institutions of higher learning and add to the diversity to many of these institutions music programs. Additionally I have several former students currently serving as Band Directors in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties that help to illustrate the leadership and commitment to helping to build leaders of tomorrow. Read More