Music Lessons in Fort Ritchie, DC

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: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My formal teaching experience began at East Carolina University in my undergraduate years. I had the opportunity to work as an instructor for the Jazz Track at the ECU Summer Music Camp for four years before I moved on to graduate school at Peabody Conservatory. Additionally I've taught many private lessons in North Carolina and York Pennsylvania. I am proud to say my students have received honors including first chair in NCMEA All-District Jazz Ensemble as well as the ECU School of Music Scholarship. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I intend to see progress in every student! I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at the begging of each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps boost a student hunger to learn more! By trying to find out what inspires the student I can succefully tailor my instruction to the wants and needs of every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young voice students, I usually start them off with the Giant Book of Childrens Vocal Solos, which has enough songs to last the first few years of learning to sing, and the Full Voice books in order to learn solfedge and some music theory. Once we have done some of the simpler songs that teach fundamentals, we then can add supplemental pieces (classical, folk, appropriate pop). For teens and adults, both piano and voice lessons are tailored toward goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

My method of teaching is to evaluate a student's level of technique, discuss the student's goals and areas of interest, and, in partnership with the student, develop a road map to establish realistic goals and practice schedules, and continue developing the students musicality and aesthetic awareness. Additionally, since the Double Bass is an ungainly instrument subject to physical abuse and fluctuations in the weather, I incorporate the mechanical aspects of bass playing - string type, action, bridges, fingerboards and setups - as part of a holistic approach to playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It is my goal to ensure that students always have fun during lessons, and learn that making mistakes and growing from them is an important and rewarding part of learning a musical instrument. For beginning students between the ages of 3-14, I typically use Faber's Piano Adventures method book series. These books offer a well rounded introduction to music theory and performance, while also including fun and exciting songs that students can play over and over again. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is to engage students through the history and love of music and to help them understand the fundamentals of music theory. As the students progresses i will slowly introduce more advance material through the lessons. I will help the student grow and progress and help engage them on the infinite combination of the 12 notes on the instrument. I will send the student home with material to practice because in order to become a better musician you have to practice to develop your skills Read More