Music Lessons in Fort Belvoir, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

If the student is interested in jazz, I typically use Jim Snidero's "Jazz Conception" books as a great starting place to learn about interpreting jazz music as well as a basis for starting to talk about improvisation. Continuing from there, jazz students will start to learn jazz "standards" from the Great American Songbook and discussions of improvisation will go deeper. With all students, it is important to discover what they are interested in and encourage that interest. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My name is Carlos B. I am a passionate drummer who loves music and would like to share that love of music to students. In 2018, I graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia. From then on, I have been playing drums at my local church for 6 years. But have been paying drums in general for a church for over 10 years. I have had the opportunity to play drums at one of our churches we opened in Little River, South Carolina right near the very famous Myrtle Beach where I get to go out of state. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have taught private lessons for the past 16 years on trumpet since my senior year in high school. During this time many students have gone onward to participate in various music schools along the east coast. I currently teach online lessons. I have also taught in the public school system as a music educator for the past seven years. Students in my programs have been able to successfully audition into various regional and national ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I want to carry on my passion for music onto other students. I often try to acknowledge how well a student is doing whether they are pacing fast or slow. No matter where and how a student gets stuck, I always will try to work out difficulties and obstacles by working closely alongside them and encouraging them. I also have a system for students where they will earn a star if they reach a certain goal, so that they will feel like the accomplished musicians they will become. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I use the same books and methods that were taught to me. Trevor Wye's books on Tone and Technique form the foundation of learning the flute. A Rhythm A Day is exactly what it says - a different rhythm to practice that the student may encounter in music they play later. I also use daily breathing exercises to work on breath control - the most important part of playing the flute! Read More

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

The recording of each lesson gives students something to look forward to at the end of our session. Whether they think that they've done really poorly or extremely well, I encourage them to listen to themselves critically and prepare to share genuine feedback. Then we discuss both their strengths and the areas of opportunity for growth. This practice helps students progress over time. Eventually, they become more expressive, creative, confident, engaged and excited about learning and sharing their talents with others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

While in Chicago, I was featured on 10 album releases and shared the stage with many notable performers: Phil Woods, Renaldo Domino, Mark Colby, Tom Garling, Scott Hesse, Danny Barber, Bob Ojeda, Chris Madsen, Ron Perrillo, Victor Garcia, Patrick Mulcahy, Rob Clearfield, Dennis Carroll, Matt Ulery, Marquis Hill, and opened for Jennifer Hudson. As a sideman, I performed with many acts including the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Lowdown Brass Band, Frank Catalano, and Mucca Pazza to name a few. Read More