Music Lessons in Havre De Grace, MD

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

When I start with beginner students I don't go to their books right away. I like to sit with my students and have them learn about the parts of the instrument as well as getting to know their instrument. We first learn about embouchure and just get a sound out on their mouth piece. Later on Iuse Neil A. Kjos Music Company Standard of Excellence Books. I really enjoy using these books with beginners because it gets them started on simple notes and rhythm patterns. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

I'm a diverse and enthusiastic musician, dedicated to teaching, and convinced by the power of music to enrich peoples lives in every way. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Music degree in Trumpet Performance, and obtained Masters of Music degrees in both Trumpet Performance and Orchestral Conducting from Central Michigan University. I have performed with the Midland Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, the Round Top Festival Orchestra, and the Pierre Monteux Festival Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Modern life is very busy and full of distraction. For many of us, daily life in particular is also filled with lots of obligations, which can drain us of our creative energy. Experience with hundreds of students over decades has shown me that when the music lesson becomes just another part of that sense of obligation, it produces negative outcomes. I've always felt that the music lesson should provide a respite from this, while still helping students to pursue their musical interests and develop their abilities to the fullest of their potential. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I start with Essential Elements, or another comparable method if their band program uses another book. Once the student reaches middle school and has a good concept of fundamentals, we progress to the Himie Voxman Selected Studies and Duets books. For high school and advanced middle school students, I use the Baermann Division III book, the Klose Method, the Rose etudes for clarinet, as well as beginning to introduce appropriate solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Firstly, I teach the student the anatomy of the guitar and how to tune it, along with how to hold a pick. After that, I start teaching students how to identify notes on the fretboard. When they have a good grasp on that, I start to teach the basic modes, such as the major, minor, pentatonic, blues, lydian, mixolydian, and dorian modes, and while they are learning these, I give them exercises that use these modes to increase the student's mechanical skill, such as going up and down the scales in patterns of three/four/etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

One of my favorite things to see is the development of a student into a true musician.  When something clicks for a student and they begin making connections and are able to make music their own, that is incredibly exciting to me!  I believe that my teaching style produces musicianship which is rewarding and beneficial to every student.  Learning a musical instrument teaches discipline, multitasking, and many other excellent traits which can be applied to other areas of life. Read More