Music Lessons in Lorton, VA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students, I typically work out of basic method books used in band classes, like the Standard of Excellence series. With more experienced students, I utilize standard brass methods, such as the Arban Complete Trombone Method, the Bordogni/Rochut Melodious Etudes, and the Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies. With all of my students, I customize a daily fundamentals routine tailored to their specific needs with various exercises to help solidify each student's technical fluency. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My experiences as a teacher have been vital to my growth as a musician and a person for the past few years.  Upon my start of graduate school, I began teaching in the place of a local New Jersey trumpeter who was busy out of the country.  Each student had their own unique personality and skills, ranging in age from 9 to 17.  This opportunity also allowed me to work with special needs students. Read More

Instruments: Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Music

I have been playing clarinet for 19 years. I have been teaching public school general music chorus-- now going into my sixth year. I've been teaching clarinet since high school when I first started out as a Tri-M music honor society mentor. I taught privately in college and I teach privately on the side. With my students I record what we've worked on each lesson and always send out a lesson plan and agenda out for the next week after each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I teach using the philosophy of being positive. I will always have only positive things to say to a student. If, for example, a.student is playing out of tune, I wont lie and say how great he/she sounds but might say her position is so good and if her finger was a little higher on the string someone would think she was a professional. I give awards to students who achieve certain goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

That was certainly the case for me! My parents started my violin lessons at the young age of four; by the time I hit twelve, I was no longer content to play classical music. Discovering funk and rock & roll, picking up a guitar, and falling in love with the instrument meant that within months, I was spending more time voluntarily practicing my new instrument than I'd ever spent on the Suzuki Method. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Music

For those who are beginning on their horns, I will be using the Essential Elements book. Within this books starts off with the basic whole notes and half notes than moves to quarter notes. Every other page adds a new note to their repertoire. For those who have been on their horns, I will be using the 2nd/3rd Essential Elements book. Those who have no trouble with those books, I will be introducing them to solo works and adding some theory in there for they can understand the basics of music and what comes with it. Read More