Music Lessons in Clifton, MD

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 Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

For beginning students I generally use some of the Alfred piano series, selecting those I think are appropriate. No need to purchase every single book of every level. Some students want to get directly in chords, while others wish to learn sheet music. For students who want to become more proficient classically, I will usually use the John Thompson system, along with my own curriculum of theory and hand exercises. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

In addition to the Danish pedagogical methods and the training I received from my own teachers, I base my methods on what I learned from the renowned and innovative educator, Jeffrey Chappell (see http://musiceverybody.com/). I also hold to the philosophy that music is, in itself, another language. Because of that, no matter what the students age or skill level might be, I always combine the technical and theoretical elements of music with the expressive and creative elements. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Modern life is very busy and full of distraction. For many of us, daily life in particular is also filled with lots of obligations, which can drain us of our creative energy. Experience with hundreds of students over decades has shown me that when the music lesson becomes just another part of that sense of obligation, it produces negative outcomes. I've always felt that the music lesson should provide a respite from this, while still helping students to pursue their musical interests and develop their abilities to the fullest of their potential. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am deeply inspired by students who are eager and motivated to learn drumming. I meet each student where they are, looking and listening for the unique learning style of each student. After i access what approaches work best based on their ability level, I design a systematic practice routine based on Technique, Vocabulary, Independence, Coordination, and Musicality. If its required I can assist in writing charts for songs. Im focused on targeting the areas where improvement is needed and to encourage and challenge students to develop discipline, good habits, while striving to improve and overcome the weakness aspects of their drumming. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

In 2009, Dan was selected as bass trombonist for the Carnegie Hall Orchestral Winds seminar where he collaborated with the principals from the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and Philadelphia Orchestra. He has performed with professional ensembles such as Harrisburg Symphony, Waco Symphony Orchestra, and the Gaylen Jeter Jazz Orchestra. Dan has been a scholarship and fellowship recipient for some of the most prestigious music festivals, including the National Orchestral Institute and the Aspen Music Festival. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I try to marry the goals of each of my students with the necessary skills of a complete, professional musician - time, style, feel, sensitivity, adaptability, and control. I tend to start with any grip/technique issues and then expand on the student's vocabulary, building on what already feels comfortable to them. Each lesson is completely customized to the individual; there is no "one-size-fits-all" delivery for each lesson plan - and that's what makes teaching such a fun challenge for me. Read More