Music Lessons in Fort Belvoir, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music and Jazz can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner school-aged cellists:  I start this group off in the Essential Elements book 1 to ensure that the student is getting the fundamentals or theory and technique.  After the student feels comfortable playing with the bow, I add the Suzuki book 1 to the repertoire.  After completing Essential Elements Book 1, I then like to introduce the Schroeder etudes in addition to continuing to work our way through all 8 books in the Suzuki series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of 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, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I not only use books, but videos, lots of exercises to use when at home and formal presentations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who have never held an instrument or don't know anything about music we'll go over basic guitar fundamentals we'll talk about different types of guitars, how to hold the guitar in classical and folk style positions, how to press your fingers on the strings (because there is a way), body parts of the guitar, basic music concepts such as beat and rhythm, how to read music both standard and tabs, basic guitar exercises, and a few fun songs once the fundamentals have been practiced enough. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience began in 1979 when I assisted my master instructor with group lessons. Area residents quickly hired me to teach their children soon after. For the past 34 years, I have taught private lessons in my home studio part-time. It was not until the past 6 years that it became a full-time position for me. I strongly believe in teaching music from the masters to modern music. I strongly encourage my students to try all genres, knowing that they will gravitate to one or more. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

For my beginner students who are either children or adults, I will typically start your training using the methods Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Klose methods books.Once you have grasped the fundamentals of your instruments and training, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for your first recital performance such as the works of Mozart, Rose, and Benny Goodman etc. However, for the adults or more advanced players, I will try to find out what most interest you and guide my instruction according to your abilities to keep the lessons more engaging and fun. Read More