Guitar Lessons in Somerville, VA

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: Guitar

With beginner students I like to start off learning to read music (it's not that hard!) I like to use the Mel Bay Method 1 book as a teaching tool. This book has two strong points, it explains the fundamentals of music very well and is easy to understand, while starting off playing songs right away. Once we have enough of the basics down then I start working on guitar techniques and learning songs that focus on those skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first time that we meet, I'll sit down with a new student and ask them about their musical experience and goals so that we can tailor the lessons to their individual needs and so that I can adjust my expectations accordingly. I am very flexible with my approach! During subsequent lessons, I will introduce the student to some basic concepts for their choice instrument(I teach piano, voice, or guitar), bel canto, Marchesi method(s), etc. 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 Voice Drums Bass Guitar

 For beginning students, I teach with a method that would not "reinvent the wheel" learning notes on they instrument which makes sense to them easily. A,B,C, etc.. Once the notes are know without thought, they will have knowledge of how music is taught in the industry and from lesson plans like Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Everyone is unique (as GOD has made us) and there are unique ways one can grasp learning music..... Read More

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

I started teaching private lessons on guitar and bass in the mid-1970's, after playing for about 10 years. If you want to learn to play, you have to practice. It is a physical and mental exercise that is a significant challenge to any beginnner and and on-going project that you can work on for your entire life. That's why I emphasize, encourage and enable you with many methods and techniques to keep yourself focused on praciticing, rehearsing and performing so it becomes part of your daily routine. Read More