Music Lessons in Brandy, VA

Instruments: Voice

I have recently relocated to the Charles Town WV area from Vermont. I have been teaching voice since 1989. I deeply enjoy helping students find their voice and developing their authentic style. My music background includes a great deal of performing in oratorios, choral and orchestral concerts, small vocal ensembles, musical theater, and cabarets. I am a frequent soloist at church on Sundays, as well as for funerals and weddings. I have been Director of Music for a number of large Catholic Churches, a high school choir director, and a voice teacher at the University level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Drums Music

I have decided to base my teaching style around the great bagpiper Andrew Douglas. He has given bagpipers the world over a manuscript that can be applied across the board musically but Lazer focuses on the mastery of the pipe "Every day: listen to masterful bagpipe music, interact with bagpipers as good or better than you, and play at least one tune on full bagpipes. Most days: hone essential fundamentals, in this order of priority: Rhythmic Accuracy Scale Navigation Gracenote Quality Blowing Mechanics/Posture Tuning drones together Maintaining optimal blowing pressure. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a third generation Rubinstin pianist, and integrating my love and passionn for technique and style of playing into my lessons. At each lesson, realistic goals will be set for students and documented in their learning journal. This also allows their accomplishments to be recognized and acknowledged, which will in turn help them to be eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

First I like to get a snap shot of the student's goals and sources of inspiration, once I figure that out I can tailor my instruction around their wants and needs. I see myself as an accountability partner with my students and so I help my students set goals for their progress, celebrate their successes, and evaluate the shortfalls. I encourage loved ones to be a supportive and active part of the process as that encouragement can fuel a student's desire to grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

I dont have only one. It depends on the child or the adult. Someone might need Suzuki, some Essentials, some russian method(Radionov) and also music that they like! I try to be flexible and to understand whats best for them! Also I try to keep a balance between fun and dedication, for them to also be aware that music requires discipline even when you do it just as a hobby! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn Music

Classical Students: We will Start with basics: Breathing Posture/Playing Position Long tones, Articulation Scales Music theory Then progress into more advanced topics: Musicality tone phrasing advanced music thory composition and arranging Then solo, band and orchestra literature will be introduced Elementary Intermediate: Usually standards Advanced: More contemporary music Jazz and other styles: All beginning methods will be the same as Classical students with Jazz methodology adopted: Scales: Blues, Dorian, bebop etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More