Piano Lessons in Mount Washington, MD

Instruments: Piano

My teaching methods vary depending on the student's needs and musical knowledge. Normally starting with general repertoire before expanding into different genres in order to obtain a feel for each person's skill or level of understanding. If they are younger, I tend to lean towards the more conventional approach with the Bastien Piano Basics or Piano Adventures for them to grow in the fundamentals. I have found that the more interest they display for piano, the more excited they become about exploring different styles of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching private lessons in college, about four or five years ago. I have taken students on several different instruments, mainly saxophone, piano and guitar. I find that it is important to encourage students to play and practice the type of music they enjoy, and to have fun performing and learning. I also believe that students should play in recitals, bands, and get other performance experiences while taking private lessons in order to improve their overall musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For all of my students, both children and adults, I incorporate theory, technique, ear training, and musicality into the lessons. It's very important to me that all aspects of music be learned in an ongoing and cohesive way. I firmly believe that a strong understanding of these different elements will inform every other aspect, and make for a more grounded and satisfied student. For adults, lesson plans vary quite a bit, depending on the level of the adult and their interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My overarching goal as a piano teacher is to have my students appreciate music and its place in the world around us. I want to guide my students to the music that inspires them, and has them enjoying the music they are making. I look to make lessons educational, productive, but also simply as fun as possible. To me, private instruction should be a way for students to grow and feel safe, not be practicing music they don't enjoy just because the teacher says so. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe in the importance of a relaxing environment and allowing my students to know their self-worth from a young age. I want to be encouraging and emphasize that mistakes are welcome to help us learn. As a person who struggles with performance anxiousness, I understand what it's like to balance emotional wellbeing and being a musician; I want to make it clear to my students that they don't perform to achieve perfection, rather to express themselves through music and share what they love with others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have been sharing my love of music and teaching students for more than 10 years. I strongly believe in encouraging my students to practice and set up goals that would help them grow. These goals include learning a new challenging piece, getting prepared for a recital, audition or competition. I believe in helping my students with learning how to practice on their own and being able to work independently from our lessons. Read More