Music Lessons in Buckeystown, MD

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

I use a combination of methods tailored to a student's needs and goals. With very young students, I use play to focus on movement and musical thinking. With young students who are reading or starting to read, I usually use a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional French methods like Moyse, focusing on singing, memory, and tunefulness while allowing students to self-direct the learning of reading sheet music. With teen and adult beginners, I focus a bit more on literacy and rhythm while providing a combination of quickly learned progressive pieces and long-term projects. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a pianist with 10 years of teaching experience who is committed to the individual and unique needs of each student. I attended Indiana University where I got a Bachelor of Music in piano performance, and Manhattan School of Music where I got a Master of Music in piano performance. I've performed internationally in places like South Africa and Mexico, and all around the United States and northeast region. I've released two CDs, and I co-founded an arts organization that brings scientists and musicians together in collaboration. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

For young, beginning students, I use the Standard of Excellence series of 3 books. Once a student has progressed through these books, I will normally progress to the book "Forty Progressive Etudes for Trumpet" as they get to an intermediate level and can handle starting to tackle longer and more difficult pieces. After this comes the Arbans book and other technical trumpet books such as Schlossberg and the H.L. Clarke studies books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

A good technical foundation is the hallmark of musical performance, appreciation and motivation. I believe the student witnessing their own progress develop serves a greater motivation than any empty words a teacher can say. Their own satisfaction prompts them to practice more, fed by the very spark of musical desire they possess within them. Practicing is not fun, but playing music is. To be able to pick up new music and play it on the spot are the moments of vindication that makes the student realize their efforts have truly been worth it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Prior to studying at Peabody I toured professionally with various jazz ensembles, including competing for first place wins at the Reno (Nevada) Jazz festival for two years. At Peabody I studied with Fernando Laires and later, Robert Weirich where I excelled in contemporary music and difficult avant guarde performance ensembles. I was also a frequent guest performer for the Peabody Camerata Ensemble under director Gene Young. In the mid 90s I created the Bachelor of Music curriculum for the Maryland Bible College. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginner students, I usually begin with the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book. This book introduces music notation as well as divided into small chunks for young kids to understand and retain. For older beginner students, I also refer often to Aaron Shearer Learning Classic Guitar as it is more text heavy and explains in-depth for students to have a strong understanding. Once students finish learning the fundamentals from the book, I present them with various solo pieces and technique exercises to go along with it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I have taught for many years, I feel encouraged and motivated when I can pass along my love for music. Nothing is more inspiring to me than to see someone's face light up when they pick up their instrument and learn. I set tailored goals for my students to reach every week, so that they have specific targets to reach. Positive reinforcement is the key to keeping a motivated student, and I encourage them in anyway possible making myself available to them throughout the week even after the lesson is over.  Read More