Music Lessons in Shaw, DC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As an educator, it is important for me to not only see my students learn and become better musicians, but thrive and have a good time doing so. For a student to learn music, they have to not only want to learn the instrument, but be inspired. Because of this, I will be lenient with the amount of work and the amount of practice required, as to be flexible with the students schedule and choices. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Every student is different, and every student has a different level of ability, interests, etc. I find it's important to be mindful of what each student needs at any given moment in their musical journey. Part of this involves asking vital questions and assessing each student's innate musicality before proceeding with materials. Some kids are very precocious are best suited for materials intended for adult beginners. Sometimes students who are seniors feel very fulfilled by learning fundamental skills with simplified showtune melodies. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a recent graduate from Dickinson College with a BA in Music- Vocal Performance and Anthropology. Some of my recent major performance experiences include two solo recitals, including one featuring works of all women composers; Natalie in Next to Normal; and Frasquita in Carmen. I have interned in Florence, Italy with St. Mark's Opera, which is where I made my opera debut in Carmen. I am a passionate performer and excited teaching artist located in the Baltimore area. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

While I am a classically trained musician, I believe that a student will best learn when presented with material that they are passionate about. A student's curiosity will drive learning far more than any other source, so any directions I can help foster in a student, I will take that opportunity. If students are struggling, I have a wealth of resources and materials of my own which I can offer for new routes of study, or lesson plans to stimulate learning. 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: Piano

It's most rewarding when my student's display those "ah ha!" moments during lessons. It shows me that they not only understand the material, but that they care about what it is they are learning by striving to improve. I also believe it's important for them to feel that what they are participating in is a worthwhile activity that is not only fun but rewarding to explore. Also making sure they recognize the importance of practice by pointing out how their improvements are the result of their hard work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

I have a vibrant personality and I love teaching, especially when it comes to helping students grasp things where traditional teaching methods have proved to be intimidating or unaccommodating. I have performed in a variety of ensembles and have produced multiple volumes of my own compositions. My musical background is rooted in jazz, funk, soul, and latin music, and my teaching method will tend to emphasize "grooves," with a special eye toward harmony, syncopation, comping, and improvisation. Read More