Bass Lessons in Elkwood, VA

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 Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In private lessons, I've helped budding guitarists learn how to shred like their personal rock heroes; taught the nuances of fingerpicking to folk and Americana players; guided growing musicians to develop a deeper understanding of chord theory and intervals; and worked with already-established career songwriters on phrasing, melody, chord changes, and that hard-to-pin-down je-ne-sais-quois that is simply how to make a song feel the way one hears in one's head. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching private lessons on guitar and bass in the mid-1970's, after playing for about 10 years. If you want to learn to play, you have to practice. It is a physical and mental exercise that is a significant challenge to any beginnner and and on-going project that you can work on for your entire life. That's why I emphasize, encourage and enable you with many methods and techniques to keep yourself focused on praciticing, rehearsing and performing so it becomes part of your daily routine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

It is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace.  I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson.  Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager tolearn more. By trying to find out what imspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, it is important to remember that the individual is key. From the youngest beginner to the seasoned pro, everyone learns in their own individual way. Because of this, I find it very necessary to hone in on the interests, aptitude, and abilities of each of my students in order to give them the best possible instruction. A student who is engaged on their own terms and who has a say in their own path through music instruction often becomes a successful and lifelong musician. Read More