Voice Lessons in Cloverly, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

There is no set method that works for each student. For young children that are just beginning, I like to start them with the Bastien Piano Basics or Piano Adventures series, but I will supplement these books with other material depending on the student's needs. I like to give beginner students little pieces that will help them understand the fundamentals of music in context so that they are still making music while they learn the basics - this keeps them from getting bored! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning piano students, I use a combination of books from Alfred's, Faber, John Thompson's. At the same time, I emphasize proper finger technique, shape, and position. For more advanced piano students I prefer exercises from Hanon, Czerny, and Bartk. For beginning guitar students, I prefer Mel Bay books. However, for guitar students I also use a much more individual and custom approach for learning how to get a good sound out of the guitar through proper hand position, finger placement and pressure, and string picking. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every lesson plan I make is customized to a student's interests, learning needs, and age. I combine a combination of technique focus and repertoire learning in each lesson. As students progress, their plans are updated to reflect their growth as a musician. I like to involve students directly in the goal planning process and keep them regularly updated about where they are on meeting their goals. Furthermore, teaching sustainable, healthy, and effective practice techniques is a core part of how I teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For all students, I begin with assignments from 24 Italian Art Songs to teach fundamental vocal technique and develop a classical sound. Depending on the student's interest, they will also be assigned musical theater pieces or art songs in varying languages as well. As a student's ability level goes up, they will be assigned more difficult repertoire as appropriate. Each student will have the opportunity to showcase their work, no matter their level, in a studio recitals throughout the year. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching piano 10 years ago while attending Texas Tech University. I have taught students ages 3 years old to 65 years young! Additionally, I have been teaching voice for 8 years. I have taught privately, taught at middle schools and high schools, and even was an adjunct professor at NYU from 2008-2010 while I was in graduate school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More