Music Lessons in East End, MD

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: Flute Piccolo

Adapting to a single teaching system would be perfect if we were all the same, but since we are not, it is important to change and be able to adapt to any educational situation or scenario that may arise. If one of the students does not understand a concept, you cannot continue without finding a better explanation so that the student fully understands the concept or technique explained. After all, the basic task of a good educator is to clear all the doubts that any student may have. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I started doing some studying on vocal techniques, the anatomy of the head and throat, and the latest in vocal pedagogy research. I started teaching my own private voice lessons two years ago using what I researched and my own personal experiences. The results from my students were AMAZING. I had a student who came to me and was suffering from a voice injury and through suggested voice therapy and my voice lessons, she was able to Sing to her full potential without harshness, rasp, or vocal discomfort at all.  I am a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity Inc. and our open motto is "Vita Brevis Ars Longa" The Latin to English translation is, "Life is short, Art is long." This is a motto for every musician to live by. Read More

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

Individuality is of the utmost importance to me as a teacher. No two students learn the same or are instructed the same by me as a teacher. All factors are taken into consideration when I teach. As a teacher I challenge each students encouraging them to take on assignments that they can reach their goals and find some self-expression and self-discovery in doing so. I practice a laid back style of teaching, I am very understanding and kind, my students respond well to my personality and my psychology background is a plus in dealing with students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I also give my younger students a practice log so they can track how much they practice. I like to treat it like a game. That way they look forward to practicing and can gain an appreciation for the trumpet. I also want the student to look forward to lessons with me. Not for my own personal sake, but I want the student to enjoy taking lessons. If they don’t enjoy lessons, they aren’t going to want to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning piano students, I use a combination of books from Alfred's, Faber, John Thompson's. At the same time, I emphasize proper finger technique, shape, and position. For more advanced piano students I prefer exercises from Hanon, Czerny, and Bartk. For beginning guitar students, I prefer Mel Bay books. However, for guitar students I also use a much more individual and custom approach for learning how to get a good sound out of the guitar through proper hand position, finger placement and pressure, and string picking. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I don't use a single method for all my students; rather, I assess their needs and then choose or create a method. I do, however, always start students in a lesson book series. I typically Faber's Piano Adventures or Adult beginner books, although I have also used the American Popular Piano lesson series. I also create technique exercises (scales, arpeggios, etc.) for students each week. As the student progresses through the lesson series, I begin to add solo repertoire and to encourage memorization. Read More