Guitar Lessons in Montpelier, MD

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 Voice

Building rapport is vital in a student-teacher relationship. I encourage the student to make personal goals of progress in addition to the goals I have set for them. I give the student constructive feedback on progress and acknowledge accomplishments. I try keeping an inspirational and open-ended environment for exploration, for music making is fun! I love contributing to the education and growth of fellow musicians. 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 Drums Bass Guitar

I have been playing andteaching in the Baltimore - Washington area since 1977,and have performed for the Smithsonian Institution, the Governor of Marylandand the White House. These experiences, along with my education courses, helped shape the way I teach. Every student is different, which is why I love customizing a long term plan that is right for THEM. Helping to fulfill a student's dream is a satisfaction that never grows old, and it is always a thrill when a student masters a musical challenge! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Guitar Bass Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Everybody learns differently, and everybody has different skill-sets and levels. I also believe most people have different styles. For beginners just picking up a guitar (or bass), I'm more apt to have them refer to some curriculum outside of the lesson session, as opposed to more advanced students, where the discernment on what to use as reference varies with each individual. I'm definitely a fan of hands on learning (obviously with a musical instrument), but with this type of learning the practical application can be harder than a school course for example. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Modern life is very busy and full of distraction. For many of us, daily life in particular is also filled with lots of obligations, which can drain us of our creative energy. Experience with hundreds of students over decades has shown me that when the music lesson becomes just another part of that sense of obligation, it produces negative outcomes. I've always felt that the music lesson should provide a respite from this, while still helping students to pursue their musical interests and develop their abilities to the fullest of their potential. Read More