Music Lessons in Churchville, MD

Instruments: Piano Organ Music Keyboard

I believe a good foundation is important to be a successful musician, regardless of the level of application. With this in mind, each student will have access to theory, ear training and they will build technique through intervals, scales, chords, etc,... Every concept will present an applicable piece to reinforce the knowledge. For example, younger kids will be introduced to Solfege, utilizing the Curwen hand signs. Then we introduce the treble clef. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I taught music theory and musicianship at Johns Hopkins University from 2007 to 2017. I have also previously taught at Towson University and the University of Arkansas. I have taught private lessons in guitar, piano, composition, music theory, and musical arrangements off and on for the past 16 years. I encourage students to seek out and explore music that they enjoy and wish to master. I have taught students of all ages and can cater to each individual's needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Watching a student develop their playing is an incredibly gratifying experience for me as a teacher. To help encourage this,I put a great  effort into connecting with the student's interests from day one. With each lesson, I work with them to set goals that are within their reach, while maintaining a relaxed, self-paced learning environment that is both fun and comfortable. My teaching style incorporates both traditional, and non-traditional techniques, all customized to meet each person's own unique needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching private lessons in college, about four or five years ago. I have taken students on several different instruments, mainly saxophone, piano and guitar. I find that it is important to encourage students to play and practice the type of music they enjoy, and to have fun performing and learning. I also believe that students should play in recitals, bands, and get other performance experiences while taking private lessons in order to improve their overall musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching balances improvisation-guided exploration with firm technical training. It is important for students to be excited about discovering new things as well as being encouraged by achieving clearly-defined realistic goals, which we discuss at every lesson. In addition to this balance, I encourage a lot of listening. Music is a 'heard art' and learning to listen attentively is key to musical growth. To this end, listening assignments (and likely additional suggestions!) are usually given in every lesson, determined by the student's interests, area of study, and current focus. Read More