Stephen L

5
5.0 (9)

Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Showtunes, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk

Where I Teach:

In Your Home My Studio

Ages Taught: 5-80

Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT

Degrees / Training / Special Info:

BA, University of Maryland, Music Performance BA, University of Maryland, Spanish Language and Cultures

Awards:

Spring 2009 - performed at the Kennedy Center with the MCPS Senior Honors Jazz band

December 2012 - played on The Jazz Fest at Sea, Caribbean cruise with the Capital Focus Jazz Band

August 2014 - Played at the New Orleans Summer Satchmo Festival with the Capital Focus Jazz Band

September 2015 - played behind actor Kevin Spacey at his Gala with Cal Ripken with the Capital Focus Jazz Band

2014 - present ~ Guitar Teacher at the University of Maryland Art and Learning Center

Overview:

I am a passionate teacher and performer and I love what I do. In 2015, I graduated with a Double Degree in both Music Performance for Jazz Guitar as well as Spanish Language and Cultures. I teach Beginner Guitar at The University of Maryland's Art and Learning Center and I have a private teaching practice in my studio in Mount Rainier. I prefer a flexible and patient teaching method and I have never recieved a negative review from a student. When I am not learning organic agriculture methods, I am performing with bands such as The Capital Focus Jazz Band, Sonic Circus, and the Christ Lutheran Church of Bethesda's Contemporary Worship Band. I have also have extensive experience playing Classic and Modern Rock, Jazz, original Hip-Hop music, Musical Theatre, and Classical Guitar.

EXPERIENCE

I have taught music for 8 years and have taught ages 4-70. In my experience, patience and flexibility is the key as everyone learns at different paces and in different ways. I do my best to listen to the student and teach to their comfort level and have recieved very good reviews for it. The best feeling for me as a teacher is to see at the end of a lesson that the child is not only smiling, but objectively better at their instrument than when they arrived. Another excellent feeling for me as a teacher is when students older than I leave with the satisfaction that comes with improving their musical knowledge and skill as well as an appreciation for how vast the spectrum of musical knowledge is: how even the greatest instrumentalists can and do spend a lifetime learning music. Teaching is truly a rewarding craft and I am always open to offer my knowledge to those who are open to learning it.

METHODS USED

For younger students I usually recommend a method book or I make copies from my own library for the student. I usually will teach fundamentals through a book, but I always look for opportunities to convey musical principles in a more natural way, and especially for kids, fun is the most important method there is. Often times a student will stumble upon something interesting unintentionally and I use these moments to teach, because it both encourages them to recognize their natural talent and helps the student to make connections from their limited technical skills to greater conceptual knowledge. In essence it helps to build basic musical vocabulary using skills they already have, but may not know that they have them. For intermediate, advanced, and older students in general I have a more flexible approach that is based upon their goals or lack thereof. For all students I always emphasize knowledge of music theory and real life application of their musical education toward realizing their own musical goal or dream, as humble or as grand as it may be.

LESSON STYLE

I always want my students to strive, as I do, toward an ideal, without an attachment to the result. For example, if a student wants to play like Jimi Hendrix and become a Rock Star, we will talk about what it takes to reach that goal and work (and play) diligently and enthusiastically toward it, and when difficulties inevitably arise, that's OK. Keep up the practice and you will most likely reach your goal. If the student does not reach his/her goal and they put in genuine effort and most importantly, heart, then undoubtedly they have gained from it and I am never one to harshly criticize a student. If I think they can do better I will tell them how, but for me, music is made primarily for enjoyment and self improvement and not for the approval of others or to be better than others. I would rather a student enjoy making music and be proud of their accomplishments than to diminish their self-worth against impossible standards. I find that those who are encouraged to reach higher standards for their own sake rather than the approval of others are much more likely to succeed and actually achieve objectively impressive musical heights

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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RATING & REVIEWS

5.0 (9)

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Peter

My teenage son has been taking guitar lessons with Stephen for nearly two years. What I like about Stephen is that he is patient yet demanding with my son and his development in guitar. In addition to giving him a foundation in guitar basics, he is also very creative with giving options for learning how to play through songs my son would like to explore. Stephen is great at using contemporary and classic rock and other genres of music for teaching concepts, from forming chords to solos. We will continue working with Stephen as our go-to guitar teacher. Highly recommended!

Maby

My son, 15, has been working with Stephen for the past few years (3 I guess!) and he really enjoying learning jazz guitar from him. Stephen replaced my son's previous guitar teacher, who moved to California. My son enjoyed a lot working with Wil (Wil worked with my son for 5 years), so I was a bit concerned about changing instructor. Yet, Stephen succeeded. He is very good and polite, most of all, he is patient and great instructor who follows my son's music interests and goes beyond classical music.

Tiffany Sanders

Stephen is a fantastic teacher! He has a lot of patience and keeps my 5-year old son engaged with his piano lessons.

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