Music Lessons in Derwood, MD

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

My first teaching experience was in 2009 as a music tutor at Schenectady County Community College where I helped students with music theory and ear training while earning my Associates degree in music. Also at this time I began teaching private students the electric bass guitar. At SUNY Fredonia I began teaching double bass lessons to non-music majors focusing equally on classical, jazz, and folk traditions. Since then I have worked at Peabody as a Graduate Teaching Fellow and was part of the Junior Bach outreach program, learningto teach music theory, ear training, analyisis, musicianship, and composition, including the use of notation software like Sibelius. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love to see my students overcome challenges in music. My music teacher used to say, "nothing is hard, or difficult, just challenging." If students learn how to practice effectively on their own, learning new music becomes easier over time. I teach my students how to approach a certain rhythm, phrase, or fingering and the techniques to do so correctly such as by slowing down and practicing with a metronome, our muscle memory will be able to play it up to speed once it's learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music Keyboard

I believe a good foundation is important to be a successful musician, regardless of the level of application. With this in mind, each student will have access to theory, ear training and they will build technique through intervals, scales, chords, etc,... Every concept will present an applicable piece to reinforce the knowledge. For example, younger kids will be introduced to Solfege, utilizing the Curwen hand signs. Then we introduce the treble clef. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I adjust my teaching based on each student's abilities to maintain a relaxed, fun, and engaging atmosphere.For younger students, I typically start with Music for Little Mozarts, which includes a variety of activities in addition to the exploration of music. For older or more intermediate students, I recommend Faber Faber's Piano Adventures, which incorporates not only interesting musical selections, but also introduces music theory and analysis. For advanced students, I prefer to piece together selected repertoires based on music relevant to their interests; this typically includes a selection of classical and contemporary compositions with some discussion of the pieces' context within a greater scope of music history and theory. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I am passionate about the flute and love sharing that with students. I graduated from James Madison University where I studied with Carol Kniebusch Noe, played four years in the JMU Flute Choir and in the JMU Wind Symphony. Later I went on to get a master's degree in Arts Management at City University in London. I continue to play locally with the Vale Flute Choir as well as the local band Rok. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I always encourage students to study and practice on a regular basis. This greatly helps them make progress and like the instrument over time. Nonetheless, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. My homework sheets are designed to address both of those points. I always encourage them to practice well; when they practice well, they improved and once they improve they start to like the instrument more. Read More