Music Lessons in Mount Airy, MD

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Tuba

Over the course of my teaching career I have taught beginners from elementary and junior high, and high school, and college. They all have something in common. That is they want to play the instrument of their choice, and feel they are making progress at each lesson. The biggest obstacle they normally have is learning to be patient with new material. I try to give them an often elusive gift. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My beginners generally start with the "All For Strings" series to obtain the basic elements of violin playing. This curriculum provides students with virtually every phase of beginning through intermediate string study. I introduce solo repertoire that matches the musical interest of each student. I also guide my intermediate students through study of their current Middle School or High School orchestral repertoire. With adults, I endeavor to combine their tastes and interests with musical literature that is fun and sustains interest such as Mazas and Viotti duets. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I sincerely believe that even the most basic material can be made to "sound good", and I stress this from the beginning. I'm big on playing duets. I'll tend to toss in tidbits about the physics of sound, or how muscle memory works. I like to engage the curiousity of the student in this way. I like to ask students about what music they like, and what they would like to do--play in a school talent show? 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: Voice Flute

Ive been teaching privately since fall of 2017, and have taught at a private music school since January 2018. In my two years of teaching, Ive learned the best way to encourage consistent practice is to set realistic short term and long term goals: Finding and pursuing performance opportunities, auditioning for summer camps, preparing a performance for your family, etc. When there is an end goal, we can more clearly plan out what things to focus on in lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I usually use the Alfred Music Piano Methods series, and include music theory and ear training as a part of the curriculum. Once students have grasped the fundamentals, I will introduce solo repertoire appropriate for receital performances to encourage and motivate their learning. For adult students, I love to spend time to figure out the students musical interests, and use the types of music they enjoy to guide my instruction so the lessons can be engaging and fun. Read More