Music Lessons in Lorton, VA

Instruments: Voice

Mandy, an active performer and teacher, has been teaching in the Washington DC area for 2 years. In addition to holding a studio in the DC area, Mandy also directs a children's choir and is a part of the classical music scene as a performer. In summer of 2012, Mandy was a studio artist with Chautauqua Opera for their summer season and has a large resume of other operatic performance experience. She has a wide knowledge base of music, but specializes in Classical, Jazz, and Musical Theater. **Photo by Roy Cox Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For my vocal students, I start with vocal exercises every lesson and allow them learn to vocal techniques through different vocal exercises. Then I work with my students on the repertoire that they are interested in or repertoire that can help them practice their weak spots. For my piano students, I use many different series (Alfred's, Faber, or some classic repertoire) depending on their level and age. For all students, I will also include music theory when I teach because the students will have a stronger foundation with all of these components, which will enable them to learn better, faster and even by their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

Methods are tailored around the individual needs and goals of the student. Fundamentals in music theory are balanced with repertoire and lessons focus on developing practice skills that the student can use outside the lesson. The Suzuki method is ideal for beginning flute students, particularly young students. This approach allows students to become comfortable holding the instrument, producing a solid tone, and training the ear, before introducing notation. For beginning pianists, the Bastien series works well in terms of breaking down repertoire into manageable pieces and marking students' progress in early study. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching style is very flexible. If I see that a particular lesson isn't working, I will change to a lesson covering something the student is more interested in, and possibly not as intimidated. The main thing is for the student to gain confidence in what he/she is trying to learn. I also think that teaching my students to read music in standard notation is a very important aspect of my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I intend to see progress in every student! I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at the begging of each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps boost a student hunger to learn more! By trying to find out what inspires the student I can succefully tailor my instruction to the wants and needs of every student. Read More

Instruments: Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Music

My teaching style is fun and engaging! In a typical lesson, I chat with a student for 1-2 minutes, go into warm-ups, drone work, technique, etudes, concert pieces, and sight-reading. Goals are set with all parties involved (student, parent/guardian, teacher, music director). I love to inspire my student through many various avenues while giving them additional musical opportunities where they can perform or learn new skills. This is my motto surrounding music: Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is." Malcolm Arnold Read More