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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in North Potomac . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Organ
I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! Read More
Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe
I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. 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 Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
If I recommend a piece that the student does not enjoy playing or is too difficult for them, I will accommodate their choice and give them a piece that better suits the student. For non-beginning players, I will look at the pieces they are already playing, and assist them in skills that still need work on their piece. After the piece they are already working on is better, I will assign more pieces and studies that will not only help them with skills that need work, but also improve the skills they are already great with. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I primarily use the Faber and Alfred materials for instruction Method of instruction is tailored for each student Read More
Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard
I am a professional classical bassist turned singer/songwriter - I also teach and play cello and general music. For over a decade I have performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles, bands, duets, trios, solo, etc... as well as teaching students of a variety of instruments and ages. Besides bass, I have taught piano, cello, pop vocals, ensemble skills, music theory, music production, and coached based on individual projects. I have played with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, in Russia, and at Carnegie Hall as a substitute musician as well as Quintango, a tango group based out of Alexandria, VA. Read More
Instruments: Piano
Knowing that all students begin at different levels and progress at different paces, I cater lessons to each individual student's capabilities. So, although I have age specific methods, I realize there are exceptions that I need to identify. I also believe that piano should be rewarding and fun, so I make sure to highlight capabilities and give ability specific goals to improve. I want my students to learn to read and understand music, not just learn to play a couple of songs! Read More
Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does run in the family. My mother was a great amateur flute player and my father was a contrabass clarinet specialist.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
So in addition to the entire trombone family (at least Alto, Tenor and Bass Trombone) I do also play a little Euphonium. I dabbled with it in high school, and I think the richness of sound it can produce is unlike any other instrument. In addition, I learned how to play trumpet and horn in high school, but I don't play those as often now so I don't break my face!
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would be a Math Teacher. I love to teach and I love Math right under Music.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style is from the romantic era. I think there is so much you can do with those pieces, and when done correctly, either as solo or group pieces, they just hold a special place in your heart.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I am going to split this a little bit.
Dream Solo: Harvest by John Mackey. The orchestration and use of the trombone is perfect!
Dream Orchestra Piece: literally anything Mahler. His music is so passionate to me (I get to play Mahler 2 in May and I am so excited!)
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have two degrees! My bachelors is in Music and my masters is in Performance. I almost have a degree in Music Ed from my undergrad, but I became ill and had to drop it.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I don't know that I would say I always have a normal session, but the consistency in my schedule is I always begin with a warm-up/routine of Long tones, Lip slurs, tonguing exercises and breathing. I also will practice etudes such as Bordogni or Bleger/Bitsch, and then solos and excerpts.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Overall, the main books I teach out of are the Arban book, Bordogni Etudes, and Rubank Methods books. I personally like these books as they are what I used growing up and advancing, but now as an educator, I can see that there is so much valuable information located in these books!
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I have had students audition and be selected for PA District Band, MD All county band, and I have a former student currently attending Towson University for Music Education!
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I think the slide is the hardest thing to master. I am still working on it, and I know my past instructors are still working on it! You have to be very careful when moving the slide!
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
The slide, pure and simple. The moment that I glissed on the slide I was sold.
When will I start to see results?
Well, it is an interesting question. I would say for my teaching style, if you follow what I am saying, you should see changes within the first couple of weeks. It really depends on a student by student case.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I did have some teachers inspire me in my musical career. My band directors and private instructors all seemed to recognize that I had a "want" for music. That push helped me become who I am today, and I hope to do the same for my students.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
If you learn to practice effectively, you can accomplish the same amount of work in the least amount of time. Time is a valuable resource that should not be taken for granted!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
There are a few ways to tell. 1) You can ask the Band Director if they think lesson could be beneficial. 2) See if your child shows an interest in music. In either case, I always recommend at least a trial lesson and then ask the teacher for honest feedback! Ever student has the chance to be an artist.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided in 9th or 10th grade to be musician because I had to write a paper on what I wanted to be as an adult. I had wanted to go into IT for the money, but when we had to share the paper with the class, I stood up front, looked at the paper, crumpled it up and said I wanted to be a musician and teacher because it is the thing I am best at doing!
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in North Potomac to students of all ages and abilities.
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