Piano Lessons in Takoma Park, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My first passion has always and will always be music. I have been involved in music performance all my life, from singing in church at the age of four to being in performing arts magnet programs at Hyattsville Middle School and Suitland High School. I formed a love for psychology later in life. Fortunately, I have found a field of study that will allow me to pursue both at once, music therapy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is informed by trauma-informed care and a student-led philosophy. This means that I take into account the frustration that learning a new instrument can entail, and use therapeutic techniques to make sure my students are regulated during these moments of frustration. I provide structure and guidance for my students, but give them opportunities for free exploration, decision making, and leadership throughout a lesson. During lessons, I like to emphasize practice techniques and thinking outside the box when approaching difficult or new musical content. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I hope to encourage you to trust me, but not depend on me. I'll equip you with a processwith a solid technique and an understanding of why it will help you, with a good idea of how to practice, with the tools to achieve proper diction and translation without always having to parrot my pronunciation, and of course with the ability to read music and learn new songs without my note-for-note supervision. 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

I began teaching piano when my mentor gave me several opportunities to teach her students and she guided me through the art of piano pedagogy. I began teaching independently after I attended community college in order to pursue a career in music. I encountered students with a variety of learning styles, which allowed me to discover how to be flexible with my teaching style in order to fit the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music Keyboard

I believe a good foundation is important to be a successful musician, regardless of the level of application. With this in mind, each student will have access to theory, ear training and they will build technique through intervals, scales, chords, etc,... Every concept will present an applicable piece to reinforce the knowledge. For example, younger kids will be introduced to Solfege, utilizing the Curwen hand signs. Then we introduce the treble clef. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

While achievement is important to me, I believe that developing long-term skills is a far more significant. I prefer to emphasize skill-building and retention, and always want to make sure the student is enjoying the process. I prefer to set realistic short- and long-term goals for students at each lesson, and acknowledge their accomplishments with a system of rewards. Additionally, at the end of each year, I encourage my students' participation in a studio-wide voluntary recital, which is intended to showcase their growth and development over the course of the year as well as afford them an opportunity to perform in public. Read More