Music Lessons in Forest Hill, MD

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

For beginning students I typically start with Aaron Stang music books, but am able to adapt if a student comes to me with a book in place. Once they have a grasp of fundementals, I will work with them in chord theory and improvesation. As a student progresses, I will focus more on their area of musical interest. If a student already has experience with their instrument, I will assess them individually and go from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I began my training in piano and guitar when I was 7 years old. My interest in music has led me to continue to learn other instruments. I have 7 children and have taught and continue to teach them various instruments in my home. This has allowed us to perform musically as a family in various parts of the country. My oldest daughter has gone on to acquire a degree in vocal performance. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

As a teacher, I structure made-to-measure lessons plans and progress metrics based on the students age, experience, interest level and other commitments like school, job, family and sports. No one approach to teaching can address the unique talents each student brings to the lesson; I strive to create a balance between progress, talent, goals and commitment to the student experience. In terms of methodology, it is important to learn or to increase the usability of the "bow," as it helps develop the musical ear and is the basis of the Simandl method of positional double bass technique. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Ashley is a recent graduate of Temple University- Boyer College of Music where she earned her Bachelor in Music in Flute Performance under Mr. David Cramer, Associate Principal Flute of the Philadephia Orchestra, and Mrs. Prema Kesselman, former Principal Flute of the Santiago Philharmonic. At Temple, Ashley performed with the Symphony Orchestra at the Lincoln Center of New York, as well as with the Opera Orchestra, Composers Orchestra, Contemporary Ensemble, Concert Orchestra and Wind Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I start with Essential Elements, or another comparable method if their band program uses another book. Once the student reaches middle school and has a good concept of fundamentals, we progress to the Himie Voxman Selected Studies and Duets books. For high school and advanced middle school students, I use the Baermann Division III book, the Klose Method, the Rose etudes for clarinet, as well as beginning to introduce appropriate solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I think the student should begin by playing the exercise or piece very slowly with the metronome(a time keeping device). If they have to they can practice the right and left hand fingerings separately. They should start with the metronome at the slowest speed. When they feel like they can play with the right and left hands together they should gradually speed up the metronome. It may help to "prepare" each fingering before striking the string with the metronome at a manageable speed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I typically start woodwind students with the Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method series. I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for piano instruction. In addition to the method book, I like to incorporate physical/breathing exercises, supplemental warm-ups, sight-reading, music theory worksheets, and student selected repertoire in lessons. I also encourage students to create their own compositions. In the past, I have digitally recorded many of my students' compositions and have really enjoyed encouraging students to express themselves through original composition. Read More