Music Lessons in Chewsville, DC

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching approach focuses on fundamentals of technique, grooves, taste, and good timekeeping. I am interested in a student becoming a good listener and being able to play a variety of musical styles. I integrate rudiments, reading, drum fills, solo ideas, improvisation, and developing a unique style. I use a variety of methods, including skills I heard as a pro drummer on stage in the studio. I make use of books and other lessons depending on the ability level of the student , but I rely on classics like "Stick Control," "Syncopation" and "Accents and Rebounds". Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

Likewise, I have had the opportunity to teach private lessons to multiple students throughout my career, which has allowed me to learn and adapt to various educational models in order to create an educational environment where the student feels capable of become the best version of themselves both in the artistic field and in the human field. Equally important, I consider constant motivation to be one of the most fundamental tools in my educational arsenal, which is why being able to prepare students for various competitions, auditions and festivals is extremely important because through these students can be exposed to various training models that directly benefit their training as artists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

During this time, I will use different teaching styles to find what methods work best for a particular student. For adult or intermediate to advanced students, I hold much higher expectations in and out of lessons. I want students to have a thorough understanding of music so that they may better learn and discover things for themselves. This process takes time and energy from the student. During lessons, I will provide appropriate fundamental methods, exercises and repertoire for an individual student's needs. 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: Voice

In addition to teaching students with diverse backgrounds, I have taught students in extremely diverse repertoire as well, including contemporary commercial music and classical repertoire. I use my knowledge of 21st century pedagogy including anatomy, biomechanics and acoustics to help my students perfect their artistic craft in varied genres. Additionally, I apply my expertise in psychology, specifically motor learning, to facilitate their skill acquisition. Furthermore, psychological preparation is as crucial as one’s vocal preparation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I start elementary students with learning about the piano, its history and show them the internal parts. We learn finger numbers and our first songs are using those finger numbers to encourage the correct hand position and strengthen our fingers. I build rapport with the student and introduce pieces I feel they would enjoy playing . I use djembe drums to help keep the beat steady and improve listening skills. Each student is different so a "one size fits all" book is not used. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Students that work with me start with a free 30 minute consultation either at my studio or over Skype. The student and I meet, I ask a lot of questions, and then at the end of the session I provide the student with a long-term and short-term curriculum plan. If, after the consultation, the student decides to take a slot, I provide them with an assignment to complete before our next lesson. Read More