Music Lessons in Tracys Landing, MD

Instruments: Piano Cello

I feel that my job as a teacher is to facilite my students' indivual growth and development as they make their own way along their musical paths in life.  My happiness comes from watching my students gain more confidence after reaching goals that they set for themselves in our sessions.  It's important to me that everyone feels good about themselves which is why I started a 'Student Spotlight' newsletter to highlight accomplishments such as completing a book or performing with the school orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music Club was where it all started; from there, I branched out into private lessons, starting with my peers, and later working with references and other community members who heard I was making rounds. In college, in addition to private lessons, I also began teaching grade school classes at a nearby school. These classes were more focused on understanding the basics of rhythm, harmony, melody, and how they interact - what makes music sound good to our ears, and how to use those things for creative self-expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Premieres of my works have also been made by the locally-based Balance Campaign and Strata Trio. I believe the role of an artist goes hand-in-hand with the role of an educator: both have a strong sense of moral responsibility. When at our best we foster alternative ways of thinking, problem solving, and communicating with others. I believe that art and education are never a matter of excess. The ability to imagine and create is nothing less than paramount in giving future generations ways to cope, communicate, and address this worlds age-old problems. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience started after college, teaching a family friend bass guitar. From there I realized I could just as well teach guitar, piano, and saxophone as well. I find it rewarding to watch people grow and learn skills they can use the rest of their life, enriching their life with the expression of music. From taking private lessons of my own on saxophone and guitar throughout high school and college, I've learned that consistency of practice is key! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I try to marry the goals of each of my students with the necessary skills of a complete, professional musician - time, style, feel, sensitivity, adaptability, and control. I tend to start with any grip/technique issues and then expand on the student's vocabulary, building on what already feels comfortable to them. Each lesson is completely customized to the individual; there is no "one-size-fits-all" delivery for each lesson plan - and that's what makes teaching such a fun challenge for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Students are taught basic reading,fingering technique, and rote memorization, but are also encouraged to learn to play by ear. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. Read More