Music Lessons in Hampden, MD

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

On strings I teach a modified Suzuki method, supplementing pieces of a student-requested style at technical benchmarks. Again, connection to music is critical and one of the ways to gain that is through personal involvement in lesson directions. For children, I teach piano from the Bastien method, whereas adults go with Alfred's All-In-One Course. Voice students will gain foundation through classical training and branch into other styles as they are ready. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

Using that method, the student will learn not only the lower positions most commonly employed in playing, but also gain an approach to solo and advanced playing styles that utilize the thumb position. I also encourage students to transcribe and gain familiarity with musical notation so as to become a well rounded musician, not simply an awesome bassist. Additionally, I encourage students to take in musical events like concerts, club dates, virtuoso players and recordings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My teaching experience began in a pedagogy class in college. I was not a music education major, so I thought I wouldn't make a good teacher. What I discovered through my teaching experiences was, however, that I really enjoyed getting to know my students and watching them grow in knowledge and passion for music. I've found that when I both listen to my student's wants and needs AND challenge them with new and different things, they really thrive and actually enjoy their time with me! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

For all students I began with breathing exercises, then buzzing in there mouthpiece. Then go into working from the Essential Elements book by Hal Leonard. After they have progressed and grasp the fundamentals, I usually began giving them solo repertoire. I usually ask my student what they are interested in and once the fundamentals are learned by the student I work with them on something they may want to do. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! Read More