Music Lessons in Forest Hill, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Piano: For beginning students who are children, i typically start with Alfred's Basic Piano Methods. Once students have developed the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in. I will then guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun no matter their ability level. Voice: For beginning students, I will explore the voice types (Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass) by learning vocal scales in order to determine the repertoire appropriate for each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I was also a member of the school's jazz ensembles and began to study improvisation. Between 2008 and 2013 I taught classes and lessons, mostly classical in nature, but also played regularly in jazz ensembles around Washington DC. I honed my improvisation skills through attending Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop in NY and recieving lessons from the great Lee Konitz. I've had the opportunity to play with many formidable members of the jazz community, both old and young, and have performed at many venues. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

Music has always been a part of my life and I began teaching at the age of 16.  I am a well rounded musician and hope to pass this on to you if you choose to study with me.  I have high standards for my students and expect them to be invested in what they are doing, but am also patient and understanding and comfortable working with students of all ages and levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have also performed the bass solo in Verdi’s Requiem. I am also a devoted lieder singer having performed Schubert’s Winterreise, Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Brahms’ Vier ernste Gesänge. My research interests include the application of motor learning strategies to the singing voice studio and vocal tract acoustics. My doctoral dissertation is entitled "The Application of Motor Learning Feedback in the Singing Voice Studio." https://ycp.academia.edu/ColinJohnson In addition to my doctorate, I earned a Master of Music in voice pedagogy from Shenandoah Conservatory and Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the University of Iowa. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method depends on what the student wants to learn, if they prefer to start learning songs first that is fine but I will still make sure to cover basic music principles in early lessons and incorporate them into the lessons. I can also start with method books but I have found that students don't always want to start there. For students that want a well rounded approach I will combine one of the common method books with simple songs and chords that the student can get going on right away. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn

I use many different learning materials, depending on the student, instrument, and musical goal. Alfred lesson book series for piano, Arban's method book for brass players, Standard of Excellence for many woodwind players, and additional material for additional student learning. I also teach piano and I encourage every student to supplement their music experience with piano lessons. I also encourage every student to participate in recording some part of their musical expression. recording etudes, solos, and ensembles. Read More