Music Lessons in Woodbridge, VA

Instruments: Piano Trombone

In 2012 I started teaching students in their homes. I quickly learned the ins and outs of teaching and have never looked back. In the fall of 2013 I gained additional experience while teaching music to kids at Ideal Day Care center. At first I was unable to engage the students, but soon I was the star teacher at the day care center. Watching their faces light up every time they saw me was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I start with the basics - proper posture and hand position, introduction to the keyboard and note recognition. In my experience, the Faber series is the most widely followed to get students started on their musical journey. As students progress, I ensure that they develop a repertoire that consists of at least 3 songs. I emphasize the importance of technical exercises that begin with 5 finger scales and advance to proper octave scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching, recording, producing, and performing music since I was 14. I have 60 productions, currently from a 3 piece band, and perform across the Triangle. I have my own business with over 20 students weekly. I also work for two local music instruction companies and teach an audio production course after school at Duke Middle. I also played with Payne’s Chapel Gospel, Women’s, Men’s, and Mass Choirs from age 13 until 26. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

A native Washingtonian, tenor saxophonist Brian graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of The Arts, a product of master teacher and musician Davey Yarborough. He earned his BFA from The New School University in New York City, studying under Arnie Lawrence, Steve Neil, Charles Davis, Reggie Workman and Chico Hamilton. In 2008 Brian completed a Master of Music (MM) degree from Howard University where he was a graduate teaching assistant and student of saxophone virtuoso, Charlie Young. Among others, Brian has performed with Curtis Fuller, Gil Scott-Heron, Shirley Horn, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Clarke, Mickey Roker, Butch Warren, Freddie Redd, Tom Abbs & Frequency Response and currently plays with Tomas Fujiwara and the Hookup. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Teaching is most rewarding when you see the student enjoying themselves, while improving on their instrument. I believe that each student has their own specific musical journey, and it is important to set realistic, attainable goals that help move that journey along at the student's specific pace. It is important to have honest positive communication about the students progress, always focusing on the positive. When working with young students it is necessary to set an example musically, professionally, and personally as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginner students, I usually begin with the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book. This book introduces music notation as well as divided into small chunks for young kids to understand and retain. For older beginner students, I also refer often to Aaron Shearer Learning Classic Guitar as it is more text heavy and explains in-depth for students to have a strong understanding. Once students finish learning the fundamentals from the book, I present them with various solo pieces and technique exercises to go along with it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Hello! My name is Donovan, and I am an instructor who specializes in ear training and technique. Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More