Music Lessons in Bentonville, VA

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: Voice

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a personable and passionate instructor who loves teaching students how to play the "Old 88." I began teaching years ago, assisting my master instructor after 8 years of classical training. Performance was my specialty, accompanying high school and church choirs, as well as performing as a soloist. In addition to performance and teaching, I have music arranging experience. To date, I have over 30 years of teaching and performance experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students I will utilize either the "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Faber - Hal Leonard's Piano Adventures" with the particular books selected to fit the student's age and skill level. I also enhance lessons by integrating scale pattern practice as well as exploration with simple boogie-woogie bass patterns; encouragement to sing and play where the lessons provide such an arrangement; and tinkering creating very simple melody lines and lyrics. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I usually start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. Then, I progress onto Dozen a Day, and finally Hanon and Czerny. For the advanced students, I start right from Hanon and Czerny, and go onto Burgmuller. If there is time, I will add on Rebikov for hand separation practice. Repertoire is often chosen based on the student's ability at the time. I will most likely start with repertoire from Easy Classics to Modern, and later add on repertoire that matches the student's style (such as jazz or R&B). Read More

Instruments: Piano

It is my goal to ensure that students always have fun during lessons, and learn that making mistakes and growing from them is an important and rewarding part of learning a musical instrument. For beginning students between the ages of 3-14, I typically use Faber's Piano Adventures method book series. These books offer a well rounded introduction to music theory and performance, while also including fun and exciting songs that students can play over and over again. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Music

I am a hard, motivated and outgoing instructor. May 2018 I will be obtaining my degree in Music Media from Norfolk a state University. Currently I am 1st chair clarinet in the wind ensemble and also Tenor sax in jazz band. I was given the opportunity to play bass clarinet and tenor sax in the schools production of “The Color Purple” as well. Music is a way for someone to express themselves where words may not be possible. Read More