Guitar Lessons in Shaw, DC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

I am very easy to work with and incorporate FUN into my lessons. My primary goal is to see my students enjoying music and liking what they are doing. This will get them to work more towards their goals as they grow through adolescence and into high school and college. Since each student is different I try to focus on reading their reactions to the material in order to to determine what they are understanding and what they are not. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching guitar for 7 years. I began teaching when I was 17 years old at Maley's Music in Arlington, Virginia. I had the opportunity to teach students of all ages, from very young to adult students. It was here that I developed my passion for teaching. I continued teaching regularly throughout my time at Oberlin Conservatory. Each semester, I taught 4 college students who were taking guitar lessons for academic credit. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I accommodate young students by mixing in play with rote-practice and constantly communicating with parents so that they can help guide their child's practice at home. I work alongside adult students by making sure that I take into account the breadth of their ambition against their time constraints when creating their regiments. The truth is that, if you are just learning guitar or trying to significantly improve, you are taking on a substantial commitment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

On the first lesson, I like to help students create realistic, long-term goals for themselves. Then the student and I develop a plan to help them achieve them. Learning tools include method books, recordings of the lesson, and playing along with me. I also make solo pieces available, and encourage the student to participate in local recitals. My lessons generally follow the county public school's music curriculum and include rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sightreading, theory and song form. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I have started my own pedagogy when it comes to teaching drums but it is pretty straightforward. The first lesson is about basic technique and learning the drums and cymbals and then moving into being able to play a simple rock beat. I have done so many trial lessons at this point that I have it down to a science and I have a very good amount of kids who sign up afterwards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is informed by trauma-informed care and a student-led philosophy. This means that I take into account the frustration that learning a new instrument can entail, and use therapeutic techniques to make sure my students are regulated during these moments of frustration. I provide structure and guidance for my students, but give them opportunities for free exploration, decision making, and leadership throughout a lesson. During lessons, I like to emphasize practice techniques and thinking outside the box when approaching difficult or new musical content. Read More