Music Lessons in Ocean Park, VA

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students, I typically teach using Hal Leonard's Essential Elements book and the Flesch Urstudien book. Every student is different. I treat my students as individuals and adjust my teaching style to achieve optimal results. The way you practice reflects on how much enjoyment you get from playing and how well you perform at recitals/auditions, etc… I spend a significant amount of time, especially with new students, on the art of practicing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The first opportunity I had to teach someone trumpet was during my junior year of high school. There was a freshman saxophone player who decided to switch to trumpet, so my band director had me teach her. Ever since then, I have been studying different pedagogical techniques for both trumpet and music in general. My belief is that, in order for a student to have the most success, they must set a goal for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experiences began in college as a sectional leader in my marching band. During my final semester of college I began working at a local music store as a private saxophone instructor. Later in 2006, I started also working with a local high school marching band. These were some of the happiest moments of my life as I got to watch my students grow in their music. Currently I am a band leader of a popular group called Furioso. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing guitar for over 20 years, with much of that time spent giving private instruction to students of all ages. Having first started playing other instruments as a child, my love of music really took off when I began playing the guitar in my teen years. I have since performed in many different venues and also enjoy playing in a local church. My playing styles vary between pop, rock, alternative, blues, christian and folk music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Helping students achieve their specific goals is very important to me! If they are passionate about a particular style of music, composer, or piece, I will help them reach that goal! I am willing to meet them wherever they are musically. I think it is important for the student to work on a variety of styles and pieces at any given time at their level, so they have a diverse musical palette. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Drums Recorder Music

I have always loved to teach. I began teaching in elementary school in 6th grade, where I would help in kindergarten classroom as a mentor program. In the 10th grade I would often visit my 9th grade science teacher and help her with her class. At 17 I taught a couple adults to read. I work for the Newport News Public Schools as a substitute teacher. As a parent I homeschooled one of my children. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I usually teach with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books starting with book 1 to book 3. Once they are comfortable, and progression is recognized, I will introduce Suzuki Violin School. Not only do I solely focus on the music, I give students hand and bow exercises they can do during lessons or while just sitting at home watching TV. I also recommend that my students practice in the bathroom while at home because of the natural acoustics it provides. Read More