Music Lessons in Maclean, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

I've been teaching trumpet for nearly 30 years, over half that time since I've been living and teaching in my home studio in Woodbridge, Virginia.  I encourage each student to not just practice, but to practice correctly so as to show them that the quality of their practice time will yield better results than the quantity of the same.  I tell them:   If you practice correctly, you get better. If you get better, you play with better players. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been lucky to study with renowned teachers at top music schools while traveling to music festivals around the world to play with interesting musicians in a great variety of cultures and styles. For me, the the experience of music has no boundries between concert halls, teaching studios, street corners, galleries, or artistic genres. I am eager to share with my students the wealth of possibilities of sound, art, and collaboration on the cello while providing a solid physical mastery of the instrument which enables beginning to advanced students the opportunity and flexibility to take their music to varied genres and major music schools. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

In the first lesson, I assess the student's current ability and also discuss the student's personal goals and interests in music. Based on this information, I create a daily fundamentals routine for the student to use to improve the basic building blocks of playing a musical instrument. I also allow students to bring in music that interests them from solo material and pieces of music from band class. Approximately half of the weekly lesson is spent on fundamental materials that I assign weekly, and the other half is spent on the student's chosen material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I utilize every instruction manual possible as well as my own experience from 15 years of teaching in the classroom. I am able to differentiate for students with special needs that include developmental delay, accommodation, honors, and gifted. I specialize in classroom instruction as well as private lessons. Depending on student needs and wants, I tailor a specific learning plan to help students progress beyond current skill levels. I make every effort to give students experience in new genres and reinforce knowledge in familiar genres. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I have been teaching privately for over ten years. I have taught all levels and ages over the years, including a few adults. During my five years at Play On Philly, an after school music program, I taught small group flute lessons and coached/arranged music for small chamber groups. I have also worked for Symphony in C Youth Orchestra, coaching weekly sectionals and playing in the orchestra with students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In addition to having performed on thousands of stages around the world over the last 15 years, I have been teaching private lessons in percussion for the last 10 years. I have experience teaching individual and group lessons, in some cases with groups of over 50 students. In addition to lessons which address the practical concerns involved in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of drums, percussion, & cello, I teach lessons in structuring performances (aimed mostly at bands looking to take their live production to the next level), prepping for studio time, tailoring performances to their setting (studio, venues small & large, workshops), and techniques for learning large volumes of material quickly. Read More