Music Lessons in Paris, VA

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: Voice

Regular practice is essential for all developing musicians as it tends to produce continuous musical growth and passion for their instrument. With both voice and piano, I like to combine both classical and modern music because it lies a solid foundation, while also keeping students engaged and having fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students I will utilize either the "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Faber - Hal Leonard's Piano Adventures" with the particular books selected to fit the student's age and skill level. I also enhance lessons by integrating scale pattern practice as well as exploration with simple boogie-woogie bass patterns; encouragement to sing and play where the lessons provide such an arrangement; and tinkering creating very simple melody lines and lyrics. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them. Read More

Instruments: Violin Fiddle

My primary goal is for people to have fun while learning music. I believe that you can never teach someone something they have no interest in learning and I'm most committed to making sure that students at all levels are excited about what they are doing. Especially with fiddle, my goal is to make the experience enjoyable and useful. Hopefully before too long you can get out to a session and strum along even if you are stone cold beginner. 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: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More