Piano Lessons in Takoma Park, MD

Instruments: Piano Violin

I began teaching when I was 3rd grade. My first student was kindergartner who was eager to learn piano but she could not afford to take lessons. She only paid me about 10cents per lesson but I found out teaching was enjoyable and rewarding. My next student was adult. I started having students with all ages. Although I am classically trained musician, I add modern music to help my students enjoy music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

For young, beginning students, I use the Standard of Excellence series of 3 books. Once a student has progressed through these books, I will normally progress to the book "Forty Progressive Etudes for Trumpet" as they get to an intermediate level and can handle starting to tackle longer and more difficult pieces. After this comes the Arbans book and other technical trumpet books such as Schlossberg and the H.L. Clarke studies books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

That causes both sides of the brain to learn together. I do not rely heavily on exercises or drills, but prefer to find pieces that will musically teach the needed techniques. That being said, I do occasionally use portions of training etudes by Czerny, Isidor Philipp, and others as needed. However, I believe that technically problems and needs almost always have musical answers. Again, for percussion, I also focus on slow training, stick control, and rhythmic exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Everything we talk about carries over past the art of playing the trumpet. For example, learning how to be a team player, creativity, and the reward of daily practice teaches the student about success in many different contexts. I do expect my students to practice at least four to five times a week so that lessons are as productive as they can be. I do try to find out what inspires each student, be it types of music or anything in the outside world. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe making music fun can keep students motivated and improve their skills. When you love music, you are more motivated to improve. I also believe music is based on a lot of techniques. In order to express your feeling through music and have more fun, you will need to practice to mature the technique. Practice makes perfect!!! I believe that everyone is unique. I encourage my students, but insist that they need to learn something new every lesson so they can get closer to their goals. 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