Music Lessons in Finksburg, MD

Instruments: Trombone

As a professional trombone player for 30 years, I've played in every type of music ensemble imaginable. From the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, to subbing in the Count Basie Big Band, to playing with the O'Jays, Doc Severinson, in the pits of touring Broadway show productions (South Pacific, Camelot, Company), radio and TV work in Canada, rock bands, playing in International Jazz Festivals in Canada and the US (with Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Sweden's Erik Lundmark), and numerous Latin bands and big bands in New York city (Vince Giordano, Lew Anderson, Stan Rubin).... Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As stated above, I adapt to each student and each type of music's needs. Orally, aurally, and any methods visually, including reading music, drawings, etc, I teach in a way that reaches the student at their level of ability or aptitude. I usually do NOT use books, sheet music, or anything written, other than the notes and illustrations I provide and any notes that the student wishes to take. Reading music is not necessary to be able to play music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

By demonstrating ways to count out rhythms, clap beats and how to write in the counts, students will have a better understanding of how to approach rhythm. Teaching musicality is another important element in lessons. Students should have knowledge of dynamics, phrase structures and musical styles. In order to teach this, I have my students play a wide variety of solos from all style periods. I also encourage them to listen to the piece and often give them recordings and mini listening assignments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

i start beginning guitarists out with Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One, because even if a player is not destined to rely on traditional notation, they still need to know the names of the notes, so they can communicate with others. I approach ukulele somewhat less formally, because chords can be played right off the bat--singing is encouraged. For bass students, ensemble is stressed from the get-go--bass is inherently a goup affair. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I adjust my teaching based on each student's abilities to maintain a relaxed, fun, and engaging atmosphere.For younger students, I typically start with Music for Little Mozarts, which includes a variety of activities in addition to the exploration of music. For older or more intermediate students, I recommend Faber Faber's Piano Adventures, which incorporates not only interesting musical selections, but also introduces music theory and analysis. For advanced students, I prefer to piece together selected repertoires based on music relevant to their interests; this typically includes a selection of classical and contemporary compositions with some discussion of the pieces' context within a greater scope of music history and theory. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone

In the initial meeting with a student I talk through what they want to accomplish what genre's of music the would like to play and what kind of personality they have. Then I have more of an understanding of what direction to go in to personalize the teaching. I believe very much in the saying "there's only one way to Carnegie Hall PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE". I don't force structure and scales etc. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

As a teacher, I structure made-to-measure lessons plans and progress metrics based on the students age, experience, interest level and other commitments like school, job, family and sports. No one approach to teaching can address the unique talents each student brings to the lesson; I strive to create a balance between progress, talent, goals and commitment to the student experience. In terms of methodology, it is important to learn or to increase the usability of the "bow," as it helps develop the musical ear and is the basis of the Simandl method of positional double bass technique. Read More