Music Lessons in Midland, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never want to pressure or overwhelm a student with too much information or expectation, because instead of the instruction being seen as a challenge, it is interpreted as an unenjoyable command, and that discourages the student from practicing to meet their goals, instead of motivating and inspiring them. What I find works best is relating lessons to popular current music, further exploring the bridge of dynamics that make up the songs that the student enjoys. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I think it is true that teachers often learn as much as students do. I always find myself reflecting throughout the week on lessons that I taught, and considering ways in which I can better interact with and tailor my instruction toward each individual student. My most important duty as a teacher is to help students connect with and enjoy the music, so I make a point of identifying any patterns and points of interest, and encourage them to express themselves freely while respecting the composers' intentions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style has been described as one that rewards hard work and dedication, but leaves room for experimentation and fun. I believe that each student has unique gifts to offer the world, and it is my job to uncover them through a combination of connecting to the individual as a person and allowing their personality and aptitude to shine. My goal is always to inspire my students to want to learn, instead of fostering an environment where they feel forced into it. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began my career teaching music in several elementary schools near Princeton, New Jersey right after I finished graduate school in 2002. I've spent much of my career teaching in one form or another, and recently took a two year hiatus to be home with my baby son. I love musical theater and have been in many, many regional theater productions. I have been the lead or principal character in a number of shows. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is to engage students through the history and love of music and to help them understand the fundamentals of music theory. As the students progresses i will slowly introduce more advance material through the lessons. I will help the student grow and progress and help engage them on the infinite combination of the 12 notes on the instrument. I will send the student home with material to practice because in order to become a better musician you have to practice to develop your skills Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

For young, beginning students, I use the Standard of Excellence series of 3 books. Once a student has progressed through these books, I will normally progress to the book "Forty Progressive Etudes for Trumpet" as they get to an intermediate level and can handle starting to tackle longer and more difficult pieces. After this comes the Arbans book and other technical trumpet books such as Schlossberg and the H.L. Clarke studies books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have lots of experience giving private lessons, and the optimal time range with respect to a student's attention is 30-45 minutes. I am willing try one-hour lessons, but students usually reach a "wall" around the 45-minute mark. We can surely discuss this prior to beginning the lessons. There are several pathways that I lead my students along with respect to their learning the guitar. I provide some of my students with instruction in sight-reading of classical guitar sheet music. Read More