Guitar Lessons in Riva, MD

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching experience started eleven years ago when I retired from my career as a Systems Engineer. The guitar technique I teach is mostly finger style, which is suitable of a wide variety of solo guitar music, including Pop, Jazz, Rock, and especially Classical. I usually teach at the home of my students if the drive is not too far, but I also teach at my house in Gaithersburg Md, Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress, gain confidence and develop a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

i start beginning guitarists out with Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One, because even if a player is not destined to rely on traditional notation, they still need to know the names of the notes, so they can communicate with others. I approach ukulele somewhat less formally, because chords can be played right off the bat--singing is encouraged. For bass students, ensemble is stressed from the get-go--bass is inherently a goup affair. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I am all about developing a passion for music and setting realistic musical goals for each lesson. I try to gently push my students in the right direction by finding out what kind of music really inspires them so I can tailor my instruction to their desires. However, if you're my student, I have high hopes and expectations for you! I know that with consistent practice, patience, and a gentle push in the right direction, we work together to learn any piece of music. Read More

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

Another excellent feeling for me as a teacher is when students older than I leave with the satisfaction that comes with improving their musical knowledge and skill as well as an appreciation for how vast the spectrum of musical knowledge is: how even the greatest instrumentalists can and do spend a lifetime learning music.  Teaching is truly a rewarding craft and I am always open to offer my knowledge to those who are open to learning it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

During my employment with Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education (in Wilson, NC) where I introduced a marching band program and lead the band to winning second place in the Music in the Parks competition in May of 2015. During my internship I was able to develop a percussion line with the students in under a month. The formation and level of proficiency of the percussion section was so astonishing that administrators, staff, other teachers, and even the principal dropped in from time to time just to hear the progression of the ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

I truly believe music should be a fun and rewarding experience. It brings me great joy seeing my students progress in their musical abilities. I encourage students to explore their talents and discover what it is they love about their instrument. If students wants to compose and write music I encourage and help them. If students have a recital or a performance coming up, we will take time to fully prepare for the gig, wether it is a talent show or competition. 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