Flute Lessons in Riva, MD

Instruments: Voice Flute

For young children (ages 4-10), I focus primarily on building a foundation in rhythm, pitch matching, and vocal warm ups (wolf howls, lip trills, tongue trills, etc.). I also encourage young children to bring in songs they enjoy singing, and use those songs to help build their understanding of musical structure. For slightly more experienced children (those who already can read music) I teach using the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) guidelines. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For younger beginning student I prefer to use Essential Elements for a good foundation. For older beginners I prefer the Rubank Method. Once the basics are grasped I add in level appropriate solo music. As the students progress I move either into the Rubank Method for younger students or the Trevor Wye method for the older students. I also like to utilize duets and other ensemble pieces if I have multiple students. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

When it comes to teaching, I like to tailor each lesson to what the student needs, and that may be slightly different for each person. I find duets are a great way to get better at sight reading and improving tuning, so I usually bring a level appropriate duet or two to each lesson. Scales, basic music theory and even some music history are all part of lessons, in addition to other repertoire to develop tone, technique, and musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! Read More

Instruments: Flute

I typically start beginners with the Rubank method, as it contains a good balance of fundamentals, technical exercises, and fun, tuneful melodies. Particularly when working with children, I supplement this with my own devices, including flash cards and various learning games. I gradually incorporate solo material as appropriate. While I personally am primarily a classical musician, I make a point of including any style that is of special interest to the student in order to make music as enjoyable and relatable as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I was also a member of the school's jazz ensembles and began to study improvisation. Between 2008 and 2013 I taught classes and lessons, mostly classical in nature, but also played regularly in jazz ensembles around Washington DC. I honed my improvisation skills through attending Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop in NY and recieving lessons from the great Lee Konitz. I've had the opportunity to play with many formidable members of the jazz community, both old and young, and have performed at many venues. Read More