Music Lessons in Bladensburg, MD

Instruments: Flute

I love watching students learn and helping them to progress. There is nothing more satisfying than sharing my love for playing music with students! I set realistic goals for each student depending on their starting point. Assessing where each student is with their playing is the most important aspect of teaching. Too hard and the student will get discouraged. Too easy and they will be bored. I encourage them to select at least one piece of music that they would enjoy learning to keep their interest. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love method books and written resources. Most of the books I use are specific to the goals of the individual student. So below is a list of a few books that I like: Syncopation by Ted Reed Stick Control by George Stone Patterns series by Gary Chaffee The New Breed by Gary Chester Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice The Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley The Commandments of RB Drumming by Zoro Future Sounds by Dave Garibaldi Four Way Coordination by Marvin Dahlgreen and Elliot Fine Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin Studio and Big Band Drumming by Steve Houghton Universal Rhythms by Dave DiCenso Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

It is very rewarding when I see students develop a passion for music! I believe it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. In each lesson, I set realistic goals for each student. I help fuel students desire to progress and allow students to be eager to learn more by acknowledging their accomplishments. I give each student the room to express his or herself freely. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more important to me than seeing my students develop not only their skills as a player but also true passion for music. Whether I'm working with a youngster or an adult, I always employ a kind, encouraging and patient teaching style. First and foremost, I aim to create a fun and relaxed learning environment. When a student is hitting a wall with a particular skill, I will then move on to something else, to then return to the skill after giving the student a mental break. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style is fairly methodical, as I have found some tactics to be reliable across the board. However, I also enjoy the beauty of personalized attention that comes with music lessons. I make efforts to keep an open, honest dialogue with my students regardless of age so I can hear what works and what doesn't for them. It feels so good for a teacher and a student when they reach that lightbulb moment together. Read More