Guitar Lessons in George Washington, VA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For anyone beginning I make my lessons fun because you have to love music to keep wanting to learn. In person lessons I let them play with my studio equipment my guitars and see what style they like or what sounds they enjoy. Then throw in some chords, some notes or a small scale. Whatever makes music fun is what I will start with. Once my student has a good grasp and is hooked then we work hard on techniques, speed and rhythm. 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: 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: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style has been described as one that rewards hard work and dedication, but leaves room for experimentation and fun. I believe that each student has unique gifts to offer the world, and it is my job to uncover them through a combination of connecting to the individual as a person and allowing their personality and aptitude to shine. My goal is always to inspire my students to want to learn, instead of fostering an environment where they feel forced into it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I always encourage students to study and practice on a regular basis. This greatly helps them make progress and like the instrument over time. Nonetheless, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. My homework sheets are designed to address both of those points. I always encourage them to practice well; when they practice well, they improved and once they improve they start to like the instrument more. 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

I have taught many students of various musical styles for the past 20 years. From some that just want to play the guitar in their living room or treat it as a hobby, to students that want to pursue a career in music. Every student is unique , so i utilize various methods and different approaches to suit each individual's needs and capabilities. In my many years of teaching, what I have realized is that proper technique should be emphasized as early as possible so that the student will not carry bad traits both in practice and in performance. Read More