Music Lessons in Arcola, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I see myself as a facilitator, helping students discover new elements of music and music theory and building upon those to create a greater understanding of reading and playing music both for piano and voice. Often i will model by playing a song first so that the student cannot not only hear what is sounds like but observe my technique, finger changes, dynamic ranges, tempo and so on. There are many elements to performing a piece besides just playing the correct notes! Read More

Instruments: Cello

I think it is true that teachers often learn as much as students do. I always find myself reflecting throughout the week on lessons that I taught, and considering ways in which I can better interact with and tailor my instruction toward each individual student. My most important duty as a teacher is to help students connect with and enjoy the music, so I make a point of identifying any patterns and points of interest, and encourage them to express themselves freely while respecting the composers' intentions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

The student is the most important piece of the puzzle. If the student is not happy, then practice and lessons will not be a positive interaction. My goal is to make music as fun as possible. I have done the work of teaching myself and I have the hindsight of mistakes I made along the way; slight areas of wasting time, plateaus, you name it. Therefore, I have the answers to how to avoid some of the same mistakes I made! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My teaching style is a combination of what I have learned from others and what has worked for me! I find that my style at times can be demanding, but I am always fair to all my students. I want you to experience music and your own pace as that is how you best succeed! I am a big believer in fundamentals including scales, long tones, working with a metronome and tuner, etc. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have recently relocated to the Charles Town WV area from Vermont. I have been teaching voice since 1989. I deeply enjoy helping students find their voice and developing their authentic style. My music background includes a great deal of performing in oratorios, choral and orchestral concerts, small vocal ensembles, musical theater, and cabarets. I am a frequent soloist at church on Sundays, as well as for funerals and weddings. I have been Director of Music for a number of large Catholic Churches, a high school choir director, and a voice teacher at the University level. Read More