Voice Lessons in Hillcrest Heights, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always ask students, both young and old, if they have goals they would like to work towards in lessons, and I then tailor lessons to help students achieve their goals. I listen to a students interests as well, and incorporate more into the lessons that will motivate and keep lessons fun, whether that is adding in time for composition/songwriting, learning how to play pop chords on the piano, or mixing in Disney/appropriate pop songs as well as classical and musical theater selections! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I've been teaching piano and voice in the Northern Virginia area for over fifteen years. I have worked at studios such as Jordan Kitts Music and Music and Arts, and have done in-home lessons at students homes, which I still do now. My students range from beginners to intermediate level players, and my approach combines popular music with classical, jazz and traditional styles. Of course, in the beginning they learn to play simple songs that they are familiar with like Frere Jacques, Old McDonald, Jingle Bells and so on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

Aestethics or "beauty" of the voice is subjective. In this method we favor the voice health. The ability to sing without fatigue. The confidence that we can trust in our instrument. The result of this work is after all a "beautiful" sound. And it will sound beautiful for every listener. "The acoustical result of a healthy sound is a beautiful sound. And we will agree in any culture that its beautiful because its an instinct aesthetic." (Eugene Rabine) The method itself comprehends 4 parts: 1) a theory about the functional system (how the instrument works) 2) a theory about the sensomotorial system (how one person learns a sensomotorial activity) And based on those 2 theories: 3) a specific Pedagogy 4) a specific Didactic I don't want to get too "technical" in this section, you're free to ask me if you have further questions about these aspect. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

For beginner that are children ... I use "Excellence in Theory" by Ryan Nowlin Bruce Pearson ... to cover music theory and ear training. After completion of this work I move the student to Bela Bartok's MikroCosmos Volume 1 or other available method books. I also come up with materials of my own from time to time ... each student is different ... so I take the approach of learning the student as I work with them ... with the idea that I will tailor the education to work best for the student! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I recommend Alfred, John Thompson, or Piano Adventures books. (If you already have books that you have used on your own r with aother teacher, I am happy to use those as well!) Additionally, I will choose a recital piece applicable to their level that the student will work on for a few weeks/ months at a time to be performed at their first recital performance. Read More