Piano Lessons in Galesville, MD

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe

Playing music has been such a large part of my life, my goal is to try and cultivate that experience in my students. First and foremost, the student needs to enjoy themselves! How can someone make beautiful music if they do not enjoy music lessons? I believe that music can be learned by building one lesson on top of the other, so each lesson will have a specific, reachable goal in mind, which will usually build on what was worked on the previous lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience began during college, roughly four years ago, while teaching several private students during a summer break. While studying music in college, I received training in topics such as keyboard pedagogy, keyboard literature, collaborative piano, improvisation, music theory, and musicianship (aural skills). I worked as a Music Theory/Musicianship Grader and Tutor for several years, and I assisted in some group piano classes. For the past three years, I have spent a lot of time working as a collaborative pianist for vocalists and instrumentalists, performing in juries, recitals, and other student evaluations. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I firmly believe a solid foundation is the key to success. And that is why, I have spent the past 15 years (and counting) developing and hand-crafting a SIMPLE, EASY-TO-FOLLOW, STEP-BY-STEP approach to learning piano, designed to get students playing songs on their own, often times within a matter of a few short months. The process can sometimes be a bit slower in the beginning, but often leads to more long term, ongoing success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I individualize my instruction based on each student's musical background and goals. Each student is unique, and has his or her own unique learning style. However, for beginning piano students I tend to start with either the Bastien Piano Library, Alfred Piano Library, or Faber Piano Adventures to provide a basic groundwork and methodology. For vocal students, I craft their study depending on the style of music that the student expresses an interest in and organize their technical studies to accommodate that vocal style. 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 Voice Music Keyboard

I customize the curriculum and repertory for each of my students based on their personal goals, which we will discuss in the first lessons. Do you want to play for yourself or to perform publicly? What kinds of repertory appeal to you and how much time do you have to practice? From there we will create a plan that best meets these goals. For beginners, this will include a method book (I often use Faber Piano Adventures for young beginners and Alfred Adult-In-One methods) to get you started. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Every student is different, and every student has a different level of ability, interests, etc. I find it's important to be mindful of what each student needs at any given moment in their musical journey. Part of this involves asking vital questions and assessing each student's innate musicality before proceeding with materials. Some kids are very precocious are best suited for materials intended for adult beginners. Sometimes students who are seniors feel very fulfilled by learning fundamental skills with simplified showtune melodies. Read More