Piano Lessons in Hampstead, MD

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

When I start with beginner students I don't go to their books right away. I like to sit with my students and have them learn about the parts of the instrument as well as getting to know their instrument. We first learn about embouchure and just get a sound out on their mouth piece. Later on Iuse Neil A. Kjos Music Company Standard of Excellence Books. I really enjoy using these books with beginners because it gets them started on simple notes and rhythm patterns. Read More

Instruments: Piano

These regular public performances serve as measurable and invaluable milestones that mark the degrees of growth and advancement along the path of learning. SPECIAL TOPICS FOR INDIVIDUALITY AND DIVERSITY. Although I emphasize techniques and skills that are rooted in the classical tradition in order to accomplish a solid foundation, I am mindful of each students inclination and strengths. As students become more proficient in keyboard techniques and the basic musicianship, I introduce popular styles, such as jazz/blues, ragtime and rock, to broaden their horizons and explore their interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

My teaching style is enthusiastic and caring. I believe that the best way to encourage students to practice is to teach music that they want to play, to have them perform, to challenge them with beautiful music and to use technology to support practicing. "Natasha is really a superb teacher. She has wonderful rapport with my children and is very patient. My daughter and son have progressed tremendously in a short period, and more importantly enjoy their lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I like to find out why my students are interested in playing music. This helps me to create a lesson plan for each individual one. I like to start out teaching using Alfred's beginner books, and progress from there. Each student learns at a different pace, so I base my lessons off of their progress. I have found that doing this helps keep the student motivated and encouraged in the process of learning their given instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

I have several tools that I use to get students playing music.  One of my favorite tools is the Music Flashcards made by Bastien.  Rather than teaching notes using an acronym like "every good boy deserves fudge" to teach notes, I use landmarks which get students to see the relationship between notes and allow them to read music with fluidity and ease.  I pair these flashcards with Music Tree book 1 and feel that they compliment each other very well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

My teaching experiences began in college where I'd work with fellow students in regards to perfecting their violin skills. After graduating college I worked a little bit with a middle school student. I encourage my students to practice at least 20 mins a day vs. playing for an hour and coming into practice. I believe you don't truly grasp the technique by doing that but this is dependent on the students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More