Guitar Lessons in Burtonsville, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music and Jazz can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love to see my students overcome challenges in music. My music teacher used to say, "nothing is hard, or difficult, just challenging." If students learn how to practice effectively on their own, learning new music becomes easier over time. I teach my students how to approach a certain rhythm, phrase, or fingering and the techniques to do so correctly such as by slowing down and practicing with a metronome, our muscle memory will be able to play it up to speed once it's learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Lessons start by gauging the student's goals. Through customized lessons we will incorporate music theory and techniques based in many genres. There will be a correlation between the skills we work on and the student's musical interests. However a weekly lesson plan (pdf can be sent each week) will help the student develop a practice routine. All ability levels will have fun during their lessons and be able to develop skills at a individual-specific pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I think it is important to learn to read standard notation as well as tablature. The student should clap the rhythms out when learning to read music. The student will start with easy exercises and gradually progress to harder ones. At a certain point the student should be able to stop playing exercises and learn by playing real pieces. The student will have to play some exercises at first but if they stick with it they will be able to play real music at a certain point and the guitar will become fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I taught music theory and musicianship at Johns Hopkins University from 2007 to 2017. I have also previously taught at Towson University and the University of Arkansas. I have taught private lessons in guitar, piano, composition, music theory, and musical arrangements off and on for the past 16 years. I encourage students to seek out and explore music that they enjoy and wish to master. I have taught students of all ages and can cater to each individual's needs. Read More