Flute Lessons in Mount Vernon, VA

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

I use a combination of methods tailored to a student's needs and goals. With very young students, I use play to focus on movement and musical thinking. With young students who are reading or starting to read, I usually use a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional French methods like Moyse, focusing on singing, memory, and tunefulness while allowing students to self-direct the learning of reading sheet music. With teen and adult beginners, I focus a bit more on literacy and rhythm while providing a combination of quickly learned progressive pieces and long-term projects. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I love watching students learn and helping them to progress. There is nothing more satisfying than sharing my love for playing music with students! I set realistic goals for each student depending on their starting point. Assessing where each student is with their playing is the most important aspect of teaching. Too hard and the student will get discouraged. Too easy and they will be bored. I encourage them to select at least one piece of music that they would enjoy learning to keep their interest. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

Music is fun! And learning it shouldn't be any more different! I encourage the student to explore what they love in music, a song, a movie, and try to figure it out on the instrument. When you play something that you absolutely love you will have FUN and won't get bored with it. I love seeing my students thrive and let music be their passion as it is for me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I have started my own pedagogy when it comes to teaching drums but it is pretty straightforward. The first lesson is about basic technique and learning the drums and cymbals and then moving into being able to play a simple rock beat. I have done so many trial lessons at this point that I have it down to a science and I have a very good amount of kids who sign up afterwards. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I knew I was going to become a music teacher at the age of ten, so I absolutely understand how much of an impact teachers have on students from a young age. I have been teaching larger ensembles for most of my college years, but have had private students around my school schedule for many years. Finding what motivates the student is key. If the student isn't motivated or doesn't care, then I need to change something! Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have been teaching since my undergrad years starting in 2001 as adjunct faculty at Walnut Ridge Elementary School until 2004. Since then I have taught privately at students homes part time. I believe that weekly lessons are the most beneficial for a students learning and productivity. I also believe that a combination of encouragement, praise, and level appropriate music, be it classical, method books, or popular music are imperative for success in learning music and enjoying it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I had an opportunity to start teaching early as a student leader in my high school music program and continuing into college. I've found that my students have a much higher level of success when they are encouraged to practice regularly at home. I use classical repertoire to build techniques across styles and modern music to keep students engaged. If they aren't enjoying themselves, I'm not doing something correctly. I encourage students to enter recitals and competitions as well as create their own original material. Read More