Music Lessons in George Washington, DC

Instruments: Cello

From my experience, students vary greatly in musical background, personality, and needs, so I view each new student as a blank slate. My philosophy has always been to patiently build a solid foundation and not rush into advanced pieces at the risk of accumulating bad habits. At the same time, I recognize how important it is to keep learning fun, so I negotiate the balance accordingly. The material I use consists mainly of Suzuki and Rick Mooney's technique books, with other supplementary books and pieces depending on the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Typically, we dedicate half the time to warm ups and tailored vocal exercises for technique development. In the latter half of the lesson, we apply these principles into song repertoire that can consist of assigned repertoire appropriate for your vocal growth and/or songs you are interested in singing.  Sammy delivers immediate results for his students and their individual vocal goals. His mission is to work with students of all levels to provide an unmatched vocal technique and solve their vocal issues. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

All lessons are tailored to each students ability level, with the goal of creating specific, achievable objectives to foster a successful environment. Students tend to enjoy working on what they are passionate about, so I am interested in finding where a students musical passion exists, and incorporating it into lesson plans and assignments. I do not tolerate shortcuts, but rely on positive reinforcement to encourage students to develop their skills thoroughly. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

I use a combination of methods tailored to a student's needs and goals. With very young students, I use play to focus on movement and musical thinking. With young students who are reading or starting to read, I usually use a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional French methods like Moyse, focusing on singing, memory, and tunefulness while allowing students to self-direct the learning of reading sheet music. With teen and adult beginners, I focus a bit more on literacy and rhythm while providing a combination of quickly learned progressive pieces and long-term projects. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a composer, pianist, guitarist, and singer. In 2016, I graduated from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition. Prior to this, I obtained a Master of Music degree from Peabody in 2007, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Arkansas in 2004. I have had performances of my music in Baltimore, New York, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Fayetteville, AR. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

As an instructor, my job is to give the student every opportunity possible to discover their passion for music. The first lesson is always about providing a safe relaxed tone and finding out where that student's progress is. Not establishing an accurate assessment of their progress can be very destructive because it could cause me to come off as either too demanding or condescending. Depending on what their level is, I will design a custom curriculum to bring their weaknesses to the same level as their strengths. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

A good technical foundation is the hallmark of musical performance, appreciation and motivation. I believe the student witnessing their own progress develop serves a greater motivation than any empty words a teacher can say. Their own satisfaction prompts them to practice more, fed by the very spark of musical desire they possess within them. Practicing is not fun, but playing music is. To be able to pick up new music and play it on the spot are the moments of vindication that makes the student realize their efforts have truly been worth it. Read More