Music Lessons in Russett, MD

Instruments: Piano

I start all of my beginning students in John Thompson Book One as it provides a great base to build on. After that lessons become very personalized to the student's learning styles as well as their individual goals. Adult beginners I supplement with Faber. I aim to get all of my students playing "real" music very quickly without sacrificing solid technique and fundamentals. I tend to spend half of a lesson on drills and half working on songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use piano adventures for most students starting off. With my more advanced students I use "The Russian School of Piano." Once the student is at an appropriate level, I then take them out of the books completely. At this time, we work on more difficult pieces in different time periods. Most students start playing Bach's music at first. This is to help the technique. Mozart also is introduced during this time, while this music is difficult, the interpretation is simplistic compared to Rachmaninoff. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing my students learn at their own pace, lessons are not to be rushed and homework is not to be treated carelessly. Understanding and being able to interpret the history of a piece is just as important and learning it, how are you to convince an audience without knowing it for yourself? I encourage this by setting realistic and well obtainable goals. Recognition for accomplishments is definitely a helping tool as well as fuel for progress of vocal abilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have played at noteable venues like the Downtown Events Center, Regency Park, and Berkeley Music Hall as well as The Pour House and even well-known coffee shops throughout my area. I combine classic rock with new age rock approaches in my guitar and drumset intruction. I am big into the blues and rock and folk styles especially, but can teach a few others thru the Intermediate levels. I have most experience as an instrumentalist performing in rock bands in the greater Raleigh area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I am a versatile trombonist who has experience in many musical ensembles. These include orchestral, concert band, brass quintet, jazz band, jazz combo, brass band, and Marine Corps Band settings. I also have a studio where I teach trombone, euphonium, and tuba players. I regularly perform in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area at church services, with orchestras, and with big bands. I have on several occasions performed with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra as well as the Fredericksburg Big Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I find each student's possibility. Some are good at reading music, but other are good at listening. Some have creativity to compose music and other are good at understanding what composers idea and perform music beautifully. Therefore I take different approach to each student. I discuss about their goal and set the goal with together with students. I explain what is the best way to achieve the goal. I instruct them clearly step by step and let them know what they have to do every day. Read More