Music Lessons in Bluemont, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

Music is fun! And learning it shouldn't be any more different! I encourage the student to explore what they love in music, a song, a movie, and try to figure it out on the instrument. When you play something that you absolutely love you will have FUN and won't get bored with it. I love seeing my students thrive and let music be their passion as it is for me. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

Making music should be fun! Part of that joy is being able to see your own progress. That's why I work with students' individual needs to set realistic goals for each lesson while keeping an eye on long-term goals. I create a warm environment for students to experiment and ask questions so they can better understand their instrument, musical ideas, and their own thought processes. I'm also conscientious to avoid getting too lost in the weeds of technique or theory that we forget to listen. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginners, I generally will start with a beginning method book (such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements) but the book will depend on the instrument as well. For older students, I want to know what kind of music they enjoy playing or listen to, and guide them along to reach their goals--whether that be to play in a band, write and record an album, or just become a better player! Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I start with the basics - proper posture and hand position, introduction to the keyboard and note recognition. In my experience, the Faber series is the most widely followed to get students started on their musical journey. As students progress, I ensure that they develop a repertoire that consists of at least 3 songs. I emphasize the importance of technical exercises that begin with 5 finger scales and advance to proper octave scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael's approach to voice training is grounded in physiological and developmentally appropriate techniques. While this does not necessarily preclude any particular style of music, he believes very strongly that vocal health and well-being should take precedence in one's study of singing and that it is good for students to gain a diverse musical experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have taught dozens of piano and voice students of a wide array of ages and abilities all over the DMV for the past three years. Some of my favorite teaching moments have been to see my students achieve their goals, and I help students accomplish them by encouraging a regular practice schedule as well as to have patience. In college and graduate school, I took courses in vocal pedagogy, choral conducting, acting and stage direction in both the opera and musical theater departments, as well as music theory, history, ear training, and diction classes for French, German, Italian, and English. Read More