Guitar Lessons in Big Pool, DC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I have taught for many music schools (both public and private).  I have also owned my owe school of arts, teaching all instruments, putting together young groups.  One group in particular called: "ARCTIC THUNDER" was a group of 14 children from 8 - 14 yrs old.  They performed at Walt Disney (Magic Music Days), and opened for many known recording artist.  You can see a video of them recording by searching for Kayla Arctic Thunder on Youtube. 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 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

Students that work with me start with a free 30 minute consultation either at my studio or over Skype. The student and I meet, I ask a lot of questions, and then at the end of the session I provide the student with a long-term and short-term curriculum plan. If, after the consultation, the student decides to take a slot, I provide them with an assignment to complete before our next lesson. 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

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

I believe in being being honest and encouraging, allowing students the chance to struggle and fail in a safe environment, while stressing and correcting proper techniques. I encourage practicing a little almost every day of the week, and finding what fires you up about the instrument. I also make sure to take an interest in student's lives beyond music- people are busy, and I understand those pressures! Besides that, music can relate to many areas and disciplines in life, and one's own previous experiences offer many methods for greater understanding. Read More