Piano Lessons in Opal, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael T. Brown is a diverse performer, equally comfortable with everything from operatic literature to Scottish folk songs. On stage, he is regarded as a strong actor with a rich voice, and he is known for being a quick read. His opera roles have included Captain Fitzbattleaxe from Gilbert and Sullivan's Utopia Limited, Dr. Blind in Die Fledermaus, Monostatos in Magic Flute, Peterman in M. Choufleuri, and numerous chorus and supporting roles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I am all about developing a passion for music and setting realistic musical goals for each lesson. I try to gently push my students in the right direction by finding out what kind of music really inspires them so I can tailor my instruction to their desires. However, if you're my student, I have high hopes and expectations for you! I know that with consistent practice, patience, and a gentle push in the right direction, we work together to learn any piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

First and foremost, I want to know what your goals are! I have proven methods to make the fundamentals fun, and as you progress we will get deeper into music theory so that you will attain a wide array of knowledge that you didn't even know existed! I like to push my students to push themselves, practice what they are interested in and expand their musical palette! The most important thing is to have fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Beginner Piano - I typically start out with Faber's Piano Adventures Series. Once they have grasped the reading of music, scales, and arpeggios I start branching out into a fundamental book such as Finger Power and we start working on songs that they find fun and interesting. Once we get into the grove I start teaching more in depth theory. Beginner Band/Orchestra - I typically start out with the method book that is used in your school district. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

We also learn age-appropriate songs, of course. In lessons with young children, everything is play-based. I make learning experiences into games, and we move between activities quickly to accommodate the kids' attention spans and keep them engaged. I gradually shift my focus to technique and more advanced repertoire once the students reach middle school. For high school and adult voice students, we focus primarily on technique and learning repertoire. In an hour-long lesson, we might spend 15 or so minutes warming up and doing technique exercises, 10 or so minutes working on music theory, and the remainder of the lesson working on one or two songs or arias we've picked together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

I am very easy to work with and incorporate FUN into my lessons. My primary goal is to see my students enjoying music and liking what they are doing. This will get them to work more towards their goals as they grow through adolescence and into high school and college. Since each student is different I try to focus on reading their reactions to the material in order to to determine what they are understanding and what they are not. Read More