Music Lessons in Nanjemoy, MD

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My goal with each student is to specialize each lesson to each student's needs and give students the tools to be able to play the music they enjoy. For all of my students, both children and adults, I incorporate theory, technique, ear training, and musicality into the lessons. For beginning piano students, I use a combination of books from Alfred's and Faber. At the same time, I emphasize proper finger technique, shape, and position. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

For beginner clarinet and bassoon students, I usually start with either the Standard of Excellence or Accent on Achievement method books. More specifically for intermediate or more advanced students I use the J. Weissenborn Method for Bassoon and the H. Klose Method for Clarinet. Once students have progressed, at-level solo repertoire is introduced. I also try to find or write music that is current in order to spark and keep interest in their chosen instrument and to keep students engaged regardless of their ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

I have loved music ever since childhood. I come from a musical performance family and have been blessed with the ability to play various instruments as well as sing. During my teen years I performed in a singing group that was the opening act for many major recording artist of the day. I also began doing session work in the studio performing on guitar, keyboards and vocals; ultimately I learned to work 'behind the scenes' alongside the engineers and learning about music production. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In addition to over a decade of performing experience, I have acquired eight years of fully funded training from three of the leading programs in the country in opera, vocal pedagogy, lyric diction (Italian, French, German and English), stage craft, acting methods, mime, mask, body awareness, and movement. This experience has equipped me with a breadth of tools and teaching methods that allow me to work successfully with any student, regardless of their experience level or learning style. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a passionate teacher who loves to see the experience a student has when they make a connection on their instrument. It is my goal to facilitate that process as many times as possible with each of my students. I have been teaching music for the past 3 years in both group and individual settings. I am currently a Program Manager and Teacher for a music nonprofit geared to providing free music lessons to students in theWashington, D.C. area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Learning to play an instrument is an endeavor that does not always yield immediate results. I like to encourage my students to look back on all they have accomplished and to set goals so that they are motivated to keep moving forward. Positive reinforcement and figuring out what gets the student excited are keys to their success. It can be a particular song, activity, or even just a set routine that can make a student really open up and be willing to learn all that they can get their hands on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa began singing in a church choir at the age of four and has been "hooked" ever since. After years of performing in various choirs and taking lessons herself, she went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in vocal performance at Illinois Wesleyan University and her Master's at Illinois State University. Meanwhile, Melissa was also studying piano from childhood through college. Now in her 21st year of playing, Melissa loves to teach beginner and intermediate pianists in addition to youngsingers. Read More