Music Lessons in Nokesville, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginner piano students, I keep the number of books to a minimum so lessons dont become too overwhelming, and in order to help them stay organized. I often recommend the first Alfred All-inOne book, plus a Just the Facts music theory book which students love because there are fun games and activities at the end of each lesson. Once the student has learned enough fundamentals, I will recommend other books and provide supplemental material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been involved with music for as long as I can remember. My first love was singing, and I still enjoy singing today. My first instrument was the accordion, after which I moved on to piano and keyboards. I remember my piano teacher, Mr Scholl, was a neighbor and he would come to my house for lessons. I had no idea that years later as an adult I would be "paying it forward". Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

My teaching style really depends on the student! Some want to learn for fun, others are studying for exams or college. As a result its really important for me to tailor my lessons towards each student and what they would like to work on. For some that could mean working on vocal technique, others working on music and repertoire. Im adept at adapting to each students individual talents and vocal needs and therefore its important that for that each student progresses at a pace that they are comfortable with. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The basics for any instrument are extremely important. For trumpet learning about breathing, how to use your fingers to more easily change notes, how to stand properly, etc. All exercises to help these are very important. Other instruments have their own specific basics which are equally important. While these technical aspects of playing instruments are vital to growing on any instrument, the goal of playing an instrument is obviously to play music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I have a unique resume as a music educator. I have taught band on the high school and collegiate levels as well served as a Guest Clinician and Conductor at various High School and College Band Camps around the Southeastern United States. I feel my experience as a Assistant Band Director has helped to develop my unique approach to band as demonstrated in my philosophy. As a Head Band Director I have demonstrated the ability to movtivate my students to strive for the best they can be with great success. Read More