Music Lessons in Darlington, MD

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

My teaching style is of an encouraging nature. Pursuing musical excellence is demanding and requires discipline and dedication. In my experience, those demands are best met with encouragement, not negativity. For as long as we are willing to learn, we are all students. I am just further along in the journey as a student, so I can convey my knowledge and help make my student's journey a little easier. I am easy-going, but not lax. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a classically-trained musician who loves all styles of music. My earliest memory of myself is age 2, dancing and conducting up a storm to The Nutcracker on TV. I would also put on all sorts of records (favorites include Mozart Horn Concerto and Dvorak Symphonies) and conduct along by myself. As a teenager, I fell in love with musical theatre (Les Mis and Phantom!) and the Nocturnes of Chopin, as well as hip hop and rnb. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

Upon graduating from the Univerity of Maryland, I taught elementary band and strings at 3 different public schools in Maryland. In addition, I taught privately in three locations, including a Music Arts Center, instructing beginning through advanced students, both children and adults. I relish finding ways in which students relate most to music and love that everybody is different. I have the most experience with beginning students, who I love to start from scratch in developing good habits with their playing and practicing techniques in a fun and approachable way. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For all of my students, both children and adults, I incorporate theory, technique, ear training, and musicality into the lessons. It's very important to me that all aspects of music be learned in an ongoing and cohesive way. I firmly believe that a strong understanding of these different elements will inform every other aspect, and make for a more grounded and satisfied student. For adults, lesson plans vary quite a bit, depending on the level of the adult and their interests. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For all of my students, I typically start with teaching (for more advanced students at least reviewing) the fundamentals of breathing for singing. From there I move on to phonation: how to produce a healthy sound, in coordination with and supported by the breath. After the student has begun to grasp these fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire based on the where the student is developmentally and their goals. Read More