Guitar Lessons in Rectortown, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never want to pressure or overwhelm a student with too much information or expectation, because instead of the instruction being seen as a challenge, it is interpreted as an unenjoyable command, and that discourages the student from practicing to meet their goals, instead of motivating and inspiring them. What I find works best is relating lessons to popular current music, further exploring the bridge of dynamics that make up the songs that the student enjoys. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

My formal education in music started in high school ... later ... I won a scholarship to attend Cornell University (1973) where I was admitted to the music department where I studied keyboards, operatic voice, music theory, arranging, orchestral scoring and conducting. While receiving Classical training at the university, I also lead a 12-piece band ... performing jazz and rb around upstate New York and surrounding areas. After college I arrived in the DC metropolitan area where I have performed on many stages ... both with an accompaniment band and solo ... opening up for artists such as Steve Oliver, Nick Colionne, Jeffrey Osborne, Joyce Cooling and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For beginning students I try to start with the essentials. It is important for young children to become familiar with the instrument, the proper way to hold an instrument. The proper way to sit when playing or stand while singing. Fundamentals at the earliest ages are essential. Practicing the fundamentals leads to success which leads to a desire to learn more about the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

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

My teaching style is integrative and interactive. I tend to write, record, and encourage local performances for my student base. I like for students and parents to have something to show for their efforts in music, whether it be a recording or performance. I tend to get my students more excited than most because I prioritize understanding my students’ taste in music. My past students have commented that this was their favorite part about our lessons, was the fact that we were playing music the student actually likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael's approach to voice training is grounded in physiological and developmentally appropriate techniques. While this does not necessarily preclude any particular style of music, he believes very strongly that vocal health and well-being should take precedence in one's study of singing and that it is good for students to gain a diverse musical experience. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

- As a foundation principle of the Functional Voice Method communication is essential. There should be a very open and honest dialog between teacher and student. You can, and I encourage my students to ask, propose and work together. - Because posture, movement and breathe have such a mutual influence; we usually need some work or excercise regarding the body (movements envolving legs, arms, walking, jumping and a large etcetera). - Having fun while training is extremely important to me. Read More