Piano Lessons in Burke, VA

Greg M

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
When I was in the tenth grade I decided that I wanted to be a music major. I wanted to learn to teach my passion to students of all ages and I also wanted to perform in church and other venues.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I always loved the piano, but that is not a band instrument. I wanted to be in the band and I was drawn to the saxophone. I love the sound and the look of it. I enjoyed playing different styles, especially jazz and marching band music.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Musical talent does run in my family. Singers are prevalent on my mother's side, and instrumentalists are more prevalent on my father's side. However, the singers could play instruments, and the instrumentalists could also sing.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I really love show tunes. To me that is the perfect "marriage" between both singing and playing the piano. Broadway music is fun and entertains many people. I feel like I can express myself well as I sing and play each show tune.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degrees are in music and music education. My first degree was an associate in voice with a minor in piano. My bachelors degree was in music education with an emphasis in choral music.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I love anything by George Gershwin. My favorite piece is Rhapsody in Blue. It is so exciting and always thrills an audience. It is familiar, challenging, and loved by all.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I were not a musician, I would love to be doing something that helps people. I would enjoy going overseas and working with orphans or helping to build water wells in Africa. Humanitarian and missions work would be my next passion.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Each normal practice should start out with a review. I believe it should include warm ups like playing or singing scales. The practice should be at least 30 minutes, but can go longer.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I think it is hard to master anything. Everyone starts out as a beginner regardless of what field one starts out in. Athletes start at the beginning and mastering a sport takes a lot of time. To get to an advanced level takes time. I think the hardest thing to master on any instrument is practice and perseverance.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
One of my former piano students plays keyboard and xylophone for the University of Georgia Red Coat Band. She is a music education major and she is an inspiration. I am quite proud of her!

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have enjoyed being in many choirs, ensembles, and bands over the years. Although I do not teach the saxophone, I enjoyed playing the tenor saxophone in the marching band and concert band. It was a thrill to sing in 2 operas in college. Singing with a live orchestra is amazing! I had fun singing on a television commercial, and being a back-up singer. I have enjoyed playing and singing for weddings, funerals, and even beauty pageants. I love it all!

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I really like the Alfred method books for piano. I like how it explains the basics and then goes from there. Learning the basics is so crucial. I use various books for voice, especially what the student wants, so I have a wide variety for singers.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I teach both the piano and voice. As for the piano, I always loved the sound of it. I admired the pianists at my church and seeing extremely talented pianists on television. Regarding voice, I especially loved contemporary Christian music and wanted to sing high notes with ease. Now, I enjoy teaching my passion of both the piano and voice.

When will I start to see results?
Any student who practices regularly will start seeing results immediately. By being engaged and focused success is inevitable. This is encouraging for everyone to know and realize.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My favorite teacher taught me at a music conservatory. She pushed me to go farther especially in classical music. She could easily demonstrate techniques and I could tell that she was interested in me. I still thing of her often since she was so inspiring indeed.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
In my opinion practicing for 30 minutes five days a week helps to develop muscle memory. You will learn what you need to learn effectively that you were assigned by the teacher. You will also feel better about yourself.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
When a child is interested in learning to play the piano is when he or she should start. I prefer for the piano student to be at least 5 years old, and for a voice student to be at least 12.

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