Music Lessons in Cypress Manor, VA

Instruments: Guitar

My main goal right off the bat for my students is to get them playing from the very first lesson, starting with basic chords, and even have them practice a simple riff or lick from a song that they might recognize. In my philosophy, because this is how I was taught, it is important to keep the student interested, having fun, while still learning the things that they may consider "boring." I do this by implementing songs that they may know, or songs that they want to learn, and use that to teach what chords the song is using, what scales it might be using, and from that, have them practice the song and chord or scale accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a recent graduate of James Madison University (JMU) with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education. Throughout my degree, I participated in many performance opportunities. I have sung in the Opera Scenes program at JMU and a student production of Iolanthe. I spent a month this summer in Sulmona Italy at the Center of Opera Studies in Italy performing in Suor Angelica, Elixir of Love and Don Giovanni. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students, I typically teach using Hal Leonard's Essential Elements book and the Flesch Urstudien book. Every student is different. I treat my students as individuals and adjust my teaching style to achieve optimal results. The way you practice reflects on how much enjoyment you get from playing and how well you perform at recitals/auditions, etc… I spend a significant amount of time, especially with new students, on the art of practicing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing saxophone for almost 30 years. I started in the 5th grade and instantly fell in love with the sax. In the seventh grade, I found a new love, the violin. After only a year of playing, I obtained the status of concert master. I continued both through high school and in the ninth grade I added the bassoon to my list of insturments. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006, majoring in both the saxophone and bassoon. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Playing trumpet has always been a passion of mine, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with other people. This past May, I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education with a focus in Trumpet Performance. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to perform with and learn from incredible musicians, which has brought me many performing opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The bulk of my teaching experience comes from my college days where I taught secondary piano lessons to college undergraduates and children. My teaching style and methods were solidified in my graduate studies at Indiana University where I was an Associate Instructor of Piano. During this time, I taught group piano classes to music and non-music majors, private piano lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, and worked as a counselor/practice coach for three summers at the prestigious piano summer festival Indiana University Piano Academy. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My love for piano teaching began my senior year of high school, 7 years ago. I enjoy teaching out of my home studio, for I believe it provides a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for my students. During lessons, I emphasize consistent weekly practice times, music genre variety, theory, improvisation and parent involvement in the lesson plans. Recitals have proven to be very helpful in building the students confidence and awareness of their personal and musical improvement. Read More