Music Lessons in Portsmouth, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

With all of my students I am kind, patient, gentle, humorous, encouraging, and positive with my feedback. Students regularly give feedback on the music they are making, as well as any new ways they think I might be helpful to them. I use Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory to help inform me of the students learning style. My goal is to nurture each students musical process. I support whatever pace students choose to employ, and tailor my instruction to their needs and wants. 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

Instruments: Guitar

My main goal right off the bat for my students is to get them playing from the very first lesson, starting with basic chords, and even have them practice a simple riff or lick from a song that they might recognize. In my philosophy, because this is how I was taught, it is important to keep the student interested, having fun, while still learning the things that they may consider "boring." I do this by implementing songs that they may know, or songs that they want to learn, and use that to teach what chords the song is using, what scales it might be using, and from that, have them practice the song and chord or scale accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Piccolo Mallet Percussion

I began teaching privately during high school. I would teach local middle school students. I have taught privately off and on since then. I encourage regular practice at home on a consistent schedule. I work with whichever book the students classroom teacher uses and also supplement my own pieces. I encourage students to have a say in their own learning by picking music they like that will still be educational. 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: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Beginning Students need direction, depending on natural abilities. Intermediate Students need direction to hone the skills they start with. Advanced students need guidance to decide where they want to go with their careers. Helping students with their Passion for music, extends beyond playing, Composition, Arranging, understanding Theory and reading music can create a better atmosphere for learning. Teaching is a two way street, both teacher and student need to stay on the right side of the road to connect musically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn

I create a customized curriculum based on the experience and age of each student. There are specific method books that I use, but my choices completely depend on the individual student and instrument that I am selecting material for. I like to create a well balanced curriculum of fun, technique and challenge in each lesson. Read More