Music Lessons in The Plains, VA

Instruments: Voice Saxophone

First of all I feel the student should be comfortable and relaxed with playing music you shouldn't be tense (hence the pocket). Secondly, they should know every aspect of their instrument. And thirdly, they should know how to hold and play their instrument (with fingers or mouth). also through some music theory in. But, foremost I want the student to enjoy playing so, they can pick what ever they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been playing drums for 14 years and started when I was 10. The influence I had from other drummers that I saw was what sparked my interest in playing them. Seeing the greats like Roger Taylor of Queen, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, or even now Matt Greiner of August Burns Red, I wanted that, but I knew I couldn't get there without practice. After taking up lessons myself, and I continue to do so even after all those years, I have learned what it takes to be a great drummer. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dated back to my graduate-school days, when I began teaching private lessons to college-age students more than 20 years ago. I have been teaching since then to students from 3-year-old beginners to 75-year-old retirees. I founded my home studio, Joyful Keys Studio, in Gaithersburg, 13 years ago, and have been teaching consistently and passionately. Encouraging students to practice regularly and guiding students to find their musical inclinations and particular musical voices are my main teaching fortes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For all students I strongly encourage an appropriate level to begin with. I am very familiar and prefer to teach with the James Bastien series. This series come with the appropriate assigned age level. There are four books with each level. A technic, theory, performance, and Piano. While progressing through that level I mix in to teach Major, Minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales for theory and fundamentals. Other than this specific material I like to match personalities along with solos and other fun activities! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

Classes for beginners will focus on tone quality, articulation, rhythm, reading music, and playing in time. Students will learn breathing and fingering techniques as well as structured routines for practicing at home. Intermediate players will begin by mastering the 12 major scales and arpeggios in straight and swing patterns. Basic 12-bar blues structure will be introduced and students will learn to improvise using the blues and pentatonic scales. Students will begin to develop an appreciation for different styles of jazz through listening and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lessons are at each students pace. Supplemental materials are studied according to the musical taste of the student. The materials reinforce concepts learned in the lesson book. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have been teaching since my undergrad years starting in 2001 as adjunct faculty at Walnut Ridge Elementary School until 2004. Since then I have taught privately at students homes part time. I believe that weekly lessons are the most beneficial for a students learning and productivity. I also believe that a combination of encouragement, praise, and level appropriate music, be it classical, method books, or popular music are imperative for success in learning music and enjoying it. Read More