Music Lessons in Damascus, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

There is no set method that works for each student. For young children that are just beginning, I like to start them with the Bastien Piano Basics or Piano Adventures series, but I will supplement these books with other material depending on the student's needs. I like to give beginner students little pieces that will help them understand the fundamentals of music in context so that they are still making music while they learn the basics - this keeps them from getting bored! Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Dan has an extensive library of etude books, solos, technical studies, jazz, and orchestral repertoire. He has made it his goal to be able to provide teaching material for students of any age and any skill level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students, I typically work out of basic method books used in band classes, like the Standard of Excellence series. With more experienced students, I utilize standard brass methods, such as the Arban Complete Trombone Method, the Bordogni/Rochut Melodious Etudes, and the Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies. With all of my students, I customize a daily fundamentals routine tailored to their specific needs with various exercises to help solidify each student's technical fluency. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

My philosophical statement is that every child or adult should have the right to learn and gain a quality musical education no matter what their racial or sexual or religious identities etc maybe. I also encourage the importance of allowing each student to work at their own pace as they strive to achieve their goals of being a professional musician. I encourage this by working with each student to set realistic goals via the SMART method at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I don't believe in just one way, each student is different! For beginners, often the struggle is getting a good sound out of the flute and learning fingering and how to read music all at the same time. I like to take it step-by-step with reasonable goals. As students progress, we start to incorporate more and more into the repertoire while focusing on fundamentals and sound. But, I like to keep it fun along the way by playing along with my students, bringing in duet music and listening to the greats like Galway. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have taught a full range of ages and abilities from adult beginners to music school bound high schoolers to classes of young children and know that every student has a unique frame of reference and set of goals. For everyone, I focus on making the instrument feel as comfortable and organic as possible calling on my background with diverse movement modalities from Feldenkrais to dance to sports. I often recommend a Suzuki track for beginner students (I am SAA certified) and I always work to find repertoire and styles which are relatable for each individual. Read More