Music Lessons in Hamilton, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have a customized approach to instruction that keeps pace with the student's skill level and ability. Goal setting is an important activity that I use to sustain interest and encouragement. For example, we may decide together that we will attempt to master a particular inspiring piece of music by a specific date. Naturally, the date will be reset depending upon the student's progress. I like to incorporate contemporary music into the lesson so that my students can see that the violin can be used widely in various musical genre. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

I am a professional classical bassist turned singer/songwriter - I also teach and play cello and general music. For over a decade I have performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles, bands, duets, trios, solo, etc... as well as teaching students of a variety of instruments and ages. Besides bass, I have taught piano, cello, pop vocals, ensemble skills, music theory, music production, and coached based on individual projects. I have played with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, in Russia, and at Carnegie Hall as a substitute musician as well as Quintango, a tango group based out of Alexandria, VA. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I love playing guitar and YOU will too! The guitar is a fantastic instrument and is so much fun to play. I incorporate musical fun into my lesson as much as I can because I want students to learn how to "play" music not "work" music. I have learned from many great musicians that music is driven by passion and should be enjoyable to the performer and this is felt by the audience. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students I have a study guide that I go off of that we will talk about at our first meeting. To give a glimpse, I start off by teaching about the rudiments, and I can't stress this enough. Using a metronome is best in all playing. If you want to play drums in a band, or what have you, you have to learn to play with a click. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

I then started my own studio while working towards my masters degree in New York. I teach at the Larchmont Music Academy, and was very involved with the outreach program at Manhattan School of Music. Through this program, I was able to teach in a variety of different subprograms - giving lectures about the history of jazz music to elderly people as well as teaching at numerous public middle schools' after-school music programs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Fiddle

My primary goal is for people to have fun while learning music. I believe that you can never teach someone something they have no interest in learning and I'm most committed to making sure that students at all levels are excited about what they are doing. Especially with fiddle, my goal is to make the experience enjoyable and useful. Hopefully before too long you can get out to a session and strum along even if you are stone cold beginner. Read More