Music Lessons in Casanova, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

My teaching philosophy encourages exploration of music with a focus on the uniqueness of each individual student and their particular aspirations, typically emphasizing reading classical music and improvising solos for Jazz or other more contemporary styles while having fun growing as a musician! I try to make sure lessons are fun and rewarding by adapting my teaching style to focus on the student's learning style and interests. For jazz students I encourage a lot of back and forth play-a-long between myself and the student or between the student and a play-a-long track. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

There are many different methods and styles to teach voice, but there are some basic fundamentals to good vocal technique and so for me its always important to start with a few basic warm ups, which normally includes simple vocal exercises such as scales and/or arpeggios, as well as working on good breathing. Its important for me to know what the student is interested and what they want to get out of the lessons, and specifically what repertoire they would like to work on, and from there we can work on a plan moving forward. Read More

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

I have been teaching private lessons for 10 years. Encouraging students to practice regularly and to have fun with their instrument is essential for the learning process. I stress the importance of these two things so that the student may develop a love for music and their instrument of choice. Also, being able to teach a variety of musical styles keeps students wanting to learn. I encourage students to not only learn written pieces, but to create their own music and individual sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

 For beginning students, I teach with a method that would not "reinvent the wheel" learning notes on they instrument which makes sense to them easily. A,B,C, etc.. Once the notes are know without thought, they will have knowledge of how music is taught in the industry and from lesson plans like Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Everyone is unique (as GOD has made us) and there are unique ways one can grasp learning music..... Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

It is a wonderful experience to see a student begin to flourish and grow into the music! I have found that music for young and old can be just the stimulus required to empower someone ... build confidence ... and enrich their lives unlike most other endeavors. Music is something that you can internalize and bring forth in totally new ways ... making it a new creation of your own! I encourage expression for those students that reach a level to do so ... but along the way and from the beginning I encourage students to take their time on a lesson ... goes as slow as it takes to get better at the challenge. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner Adult cellists:  I give adults the option of starting off in Essential Elements or moving at a faster pace with the Suzuki books.  After learning the fundamentals of playing, I then tailor the lessons to the students individual needs or tastes. Beginner children pianists:  I like using the Piano Adventures series with this group.  I usually start with the Primer book before Book 1.  For children in the 4 to 5 age group, I start off with the Pre-Reading books A thru C. Read More