Music Lessons in Opal, VA

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I start with the basics - proper posture and hand position, introduction to the keyboard and note recognition. In my experience, the Faber series is the most widely followed to get students started on their musical journey. As students progress, I ensure that they develop a repertoire that consists of at least 3 songs. I emphasize the importance of technical exercises that begin with 5 finger scales and advance to proper octave scales. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

There is no set method that works for each student. For young children that are just beginning, I like to start them with the Bastien Piano Basics or Piano Adventures series, but I will supplement these books with other material depending on the student's needs. I like to give beginner students little pieces that will help them understand the fundamentals of music in context so that they are still making music while they learn the basics - this keeps them from getting bored! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I came up through the Fairfax County band program. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to "give back" to this as a public school teacher. My wish now is to help as many current band students as I can. I relocated from Virginia and am looking to establish a presence in MontgomeryCounty. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I'm a dynamic, dedicated flutist with a deep love for music and a passion for communicating that love to others. I hold degrees in flute performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and have performed and taught extensively in the Cleveland and western New York areas. I also have a special interest in music theory and music history, having earned Early Music Performer's Certificates through the joint music program with Case Western Reserve University and tutored music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have helped students achieve their goals as young as 4 years old and into their college years! I am trained in the Suzuki Method, but I also feel comfortable teaching any preference and learning style. I particularly enjoy teaching younger musicians and have focused my work on beginner students, as young as preschool. However, because of my extensive performing experience, I have been able to see many of my students into universities where they have continued to play the violin at top levels. Read More

Instruments: Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Music

My teaching style is fun and engaging! In a typical lesson, I chat with a student for 1-2 minutes, go into warm-ups, drone work, technique, etudes, concert pieces, and sight-reading. Goals are set with all parties involved (student, parent/guardian, teacher, music director). I love to inspire my student through many various avenues while giving them additional musical opportunities where they can perform or learn new skills. This is my motto surrounding music: Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is." Malcolm Arnold Read More