Bass Lessons in Washington, DC

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

Children often encounter obstacles with regard to motor-skill development issues (i.e., usually their hands don't work well enough under the age of ten to develop many of the skills required to play the guitar) so a more general musical exploration is often called for. This can involve singing when the child is open to that. With teenagers and adults, I like to discover what their interests and goals are and tailor the lesson in accordance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My background is partly as a local performer, and partly as a long-time music teacher. Teaching has allowed me to make thousands of meaningful connections with my students, both as a mentor and instructor, and has given my life purpose and meaning for over 15 years. Music in general has also allowed me to travel across the country, and given me the opportunity to experience the wonderful music of talented musicians both young and old, and has instilled in me a passion to put as much of that into the world as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For Piano I teach from the Faber Faber series. I used Primer and level 1 one for children and a level 1 version for late teens and adults. For Guitar/Bass I use Hal Leonard Guitar Method Series. For all my students I determine what they are interested in learning and we focus on that music while still practicing the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have found that for musicians at all levels, especially beginners, exploration is key. Learning an instrument is like building a relationship with that instrument and discovering what sounds you can create together. I use this guided discovery as a tool for discussing technique and musical ideas. Once enough fundamentals are grasped, I introduce repertoire which will lead to a recital performance. I always keep in mind the specific interests of the student and work towards meeting their individual goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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. 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