Music Lessons in Arlington, MD

Instruments: Drums

Steve is originally from the Binghamton, NY area and began studying drums at the age of 12 with local jazz musician Tony Monforte. He participated in the All State Orchestra and was placed on the Pro-Mark Honor Roll for young, up-and-coming drummers. Steve received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he studied with Gordon Stout, Steve Brown, and Robert Bridge. He was selected to participate in the Henry Mancini Institute where he worked with some of the leading jazz, film, and classical musicians and composers from around the world including Terence Blanchard, Bud Shank, Christian McBride, and Jerry Goldsmith. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Teaching has always been something that I just simply love to do. There is nothing better than watching a student gradually gain skills, knowledge and success. Teaching students also helps me to become a better musician. Sometimes a student can teach me something about myself either as a teacher, drummer or even as a person. A skill I have learned from my students is to be able to pick up if my teaching methods aren't breaking through to a student. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

By demonstrating ways to count out rhythms, clap beats and how to write in the counts, students will have a better understanding of how to approach rhythm. Teaching musicality is another important element in lessons. Students should have knowledge of dynamics, phrase structures and musical styles. In order to teach this, I have my students play a wide variety of solos from all style periods. I also encourage them to listen to the piece and often give them recordings and mini listening assignments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I was a middle school band director and general music teacher in a public school for ten years. I instructed beginning students as well as advanced 8th graders in all brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Directing and leading concert band, marching band, drum line, and jazz band required me to remain in communication with parents and the community, keep organization and discipline in the classroom, and engage the students with well-prepared lessons and quality band literature. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I believe it is imperative to create a positive, musical learning environment for my students and cultivate their love for music. My lessons are individualized and tailored to meet the individual student's musical goals, level and learning style. I provide each student with a practice sheet to monitor their progress. Different students have different skill levels and different needs. Therefore, I assign each student a realistic, attainable goal for each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that learning music should be an enjoyable and fun experience while at the same time instilling discipline in setting and achieving goals. I believe that the whole person is involved in creating art, so I am here to listen to you as a mentor and friend as well. Oftentimes, releasing tension in the body through music can release trapped emotions and trauma. I am very versatile in my style and can adapt to any particular needs and desires. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I also give my younger students a practice log so they can track how much they practice. I like to treat it like a game. That way they look forward to practicing and can gain an appreciation for the trumpet. I also want the student to look forward to lessons with me. Not for my own personal sake, but I want the student to enjoy taking lessons. If they don’t enjoy lessons, they aren’t going to want to play. Read More