Music Lessons in Armistead Forest, VA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I have had the pleasure of working with students young and old. I have had over 30 years of teaching experience. Nothing is more rewarding than to see my students excel and find their own style to develop as they progress. I am passionate about teaching and want my students to enjoy learning. I am also a performing musician. I have been involved in many types of music all my life. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The first opportunity I had to teach someone trumpet was during my junior year of high school. There was a freshman saxophone player who decided to switch to trumpet, so my band director had me teach her. Ever since then, I have been studying different pedagogical techniques for both trumpet and music in general. My belief is that, in order for a student to have the most success, they must set a goal for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Practice Regiment 1. Play everyday when humanly possible a) Warm up by starting out playing scales slowly, gradually increasing the speed. Use a metronome or drum machine. b) If you feel any pain or discomfort, STOP and come back later. You must build up the muscles first. 2. Knowing where the notes are on the fret board a) Memorize! b) Start with the lowest string and play all the notes, all the way up the neck. c) Repeat with each String. d) Say the notes out loud. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started teaching at an Academy of Music in Kokomo, IN, where my instructor, Gary, felt like I was experienced enough to start giving lessons. I was a little nervous about it at first, but once I got started with my first student, I realized I had a lot of fun teaching! Ever since then, I would teach friends who wanted to learn and they would recommend me to people they know, and I just all around enjoyed it. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I find that the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is watching a student develop a stronger passion for music than they had to begin with.Students are encouraged to make manageable goals for each lesson so that they can feel a sense of achievement throughout the entire learning process. The smaller goals keep the students motivated constantly enabling them to become a better musician. By focusing on the process of learning, students are learning a set of skills that will enable them to learn pieces quicker and allow for a more rewarding end product. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn

I create a customized curriculum based on the experience and age of each student. There are specific method books that I use, but my choices completely depend on the individual student and instrument that I am selecting material for. I like to create a well balanced curriculum of fun, technique and challenge in each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love to see my students succeed in life! Setting realistic goals is key as some students want to learn for a new hobby, some have a career, and some just love the art of drumming! For me, drumming is all of the above mentioned as well as a form of meditation therapy. My student's always leave smiling, having learned a new skill feel good about themselves and their life. Read More