Music Lessons in Gaither, MD

Instruments: Violin Music Keyboard

I was concertmaster of the Salem Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was also concertmaster of the Gordon Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, I was a guest soloist at the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra’s winter concert series, where I performed Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole under the baton of conductor and beloved teacher, Alan Hawryluk. I have recently graduated from Gordon College in May 2018, where I earned a B.M. in Music Performance, and a B.A. in Accounting and Business Administration. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Whether in a group or individually, I teach in a relaxed, interactive, and respectful manner, allowing students to progress at their natural rate and using their and my enthusiasm to propel us, rather than any requirement for content or material to be covered.  Lessons become retreats rather than drudgery. As I said above in "Methods", I do not start with books or sheet music. I consider myself a Pied Piper, there to inspire the love of music, love of playing, and love of the many different instruments a drummer and percussionist can play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, having taught private trumpet, guitar, and bass guitar students in Fargo, North Dakota, and continuing to do so in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where I taught guitar, trumpet, and trombone at B's Music Shop. My collegiate teaching experience began at Concordia College, being a Teaching Assistant for a Brass Methods class, and fulfilling a similar teaching the same course at Central Michigan University. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe

My teaching experience began back in my adolence years, when I was hired to be a choir director at an inner city church.I continued to teach all through my high school years, where I was discovered and offered scholarships by several music schools and conservatories. I expanded my love for teaching and performing as a Student Instructor while teaching in the School of Music and Performing Arts at university. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

Methods are tailored around the individual needs and goals of the student. Fundamentals in music theory are balanced with repertoire and lessons focus on developing practice skills that the student can use outside the lesson. The Suzuki method is ideal for beginning flute students, particularly young students. This approach allows students to become comfortable holding the instrument, producing a solid tone, and training the ear, before introducing notation. For beginning pianists, the Bastien series works well in terms of breaking down repertoire into manageable pieces and marking students' progress in early study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods and approach to teaching a student all depend on the student (or group of students). I like to find out what attracts my students to music, and more specifically, why they want to learn to play piano. By investigating the motives of my students, I can better tailor a lesson that delivers both what they want to learn and what they need to learn. Once the goals are known, we begin to build a foundation of technical and creative exercises to increase skill and comprehension within the realm of playing piano. Read More