Guitar Lessons in Highland, MD

Instruments: Guitar

I like to let the student chose some pieces that they like or are interested in playing. I will play the piece for the student so that they know what it sounds like. I go through as book like "Solo Guitar Playing" by Frederick Noad with the student. After they achieve some proficiency on the instrument, I will allow them to pick other pieces from their guitar books or I will suggest pieces that they might like and wish to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

I have a vibrant personality and I love teaching, especially when it comes to helping students grasp things where traditional teaching methods have proved to be intimidating or unaccommodating. I have performed in a variety of ensembles and have produced multiple volumes of my own compositions. My musical background is rooted in jazz, funk, soul, and latin music, and my teaching method will tend to emphasize "grooves," with a special eye toward harmony, syncopation, comping, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

At fourteen, dismayed at my high school's total lack of musical education, I formed an extracurricular and creatively-titled Music Club. For an hour after school each week, and sometimes biweekly, we'd bring our instruments to an empty classroom and play. I'd float around offering one-on-one guidance, mostly covering fundamentals, sometimes providing more advanced direction to those who were ready. The peers I'd previously thought to be relatively atonal surprised me time and again by bringing in guitars, basses, hand drums, even the occasional trumpet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I find my greatest joy in sharing music! I'm currently working on a Professional Jazz Guitar Certificate from the Berklee Academy of Music Online, but I have been studying as many genres as I am able to over the years. I love performing and having jam sessions with my friends, and I love meeting new musicians! I was performing in Southern Maryland but recently moved around the D.C area to begin my professional teaching career. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method depends on what the student wants to learn, if they prefer to start learning songs first that is fine but I will still make sure to cover basic music principles in early lessons and incorporate them into the lessons. I can also start with method books but I have found that students don't always want to start there. For students that want a well rounded approach I will combine one of the common method books with simple songs and chords that the student can get going on right away. Read More