Music Lessons in Twin Pines, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has a solid foundation on fundamentals, I begin to increase the rigor of the work. Each student is different, so I try to personalize their lessons. I like for every student to have at least one solo piece to be working on. I always encourage the student to work towards a recital or even a simple solo performance in their own home. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a teacher, I always do my best to be as encouraging as possible to students. Student feedback is important to me. I always encourage students to ask questions and be engaged in their learning process. Together, my students and I will set goals for their learning and assess where we are in meeting those goals. This way, the students needs are met, and I can more accurately tailor my lessons to serve the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods will depend to a degree upon each individual student's musical tastes and ambitions. For example, I would put much more focus on developing picking hand foundations for a classical guitarist while the fretting hand would receive more early attention for the metal shredder. This said, there are common general goals that can be set for all guitarists as they track and improve their skills. The guitar is a physical tool, and it is learned as such: the student learns how to handle the tool, how to carry out the various uses of the tool, and how to apply the tool's uses to the art they wish to create. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Practice Regiment 1. Play everyday when humanly possible a) Warm up by starting out playing scales slowly, gradually increasing the speed. Use a metronome or drum machine. b) If you feel any pain or discomfort, STOP and come back later. You must build up the muscles first. 2. Knowing where the notes are on the fret board a) Memorize! b) Start with the lowest string and play all the notes, all the way up the neck. c) Repeat with each String. d) Say the notes out loud. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love to see my students succeed in life! Setting realistic goals is key as some students want to learn for a new hobby, some have a career, and some just love the art of drumming! For me, drumming is all of the above mentioned as well as a form of meditation therapy. My student's always leave smiling, having learned a new skill feel good about themselves and their life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

I began teaching trumpet privately 44 years ago. Over the years I have added voice, beginning piano, trombone, euphonium,and recorder to my studio. I encourage each student to practice several times a week for as long as they can. I find that some students like to practice in one sitting, whereas others prefer to practice for 10-15 minutes before taking a break and then returning. I convey to each student that working at your craft for 10,000 hours will make you an expert. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more important than seeing all my students sing as well as they can. All my stuedents progress at there own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for all my students at each lesson. I create a positive atmosphere and relaxing one . I alway acknowledge how well my students do at there lesson . I try to find out what inspires my students and what they would like to sing and then from there i find the best pieces for them to sing. Read More