Guitar Lessons in Sharpsburg, DC

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

For younger students I usually recommend a method book or I make copies from my own library for the student.  I usually will teach fundamentals through a book, but I always look for opportunities to convey musical principles in a more natural way, and especially for kids, fun is the most important method there is.  Often times a student will stumble upon something interesting unintentionally and I use these moments to teach, because it both encourages them to recognize their natural talent and helps the student to make connections from their limited technical skills to greater conceptual knowledge. 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: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My first passion has always and will always be music. I have been involved in music performance all my life, from singing in church at the age of four to being in performing arts magnet programs at Hyattsville Middle School and Suitland High School. I formed a love for psychology later in life. Fortunately, I have found a field of study that will allow me to pursue both at once, music therapy. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Students are taught basic reading,fingering technique, and rote memorization, but are also encouraged to learn to play by ear. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. 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