Music Lessons in Franklin, MD

Instruments: Ukulele

Hello! I was originally trained as a classical cellist, but I fell in love with the ukulele when I was in high school. In college at Loyola Maryland, I was the president and founder of the ukulele club which was featured on the Today Show with Al Roker in 2017. I perform with my ukulele when I can at coffee houses and events. I sang in choirs and a-cappella during college but when I sing or perform alone I always use my uke. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

I have a library of material that I use to teach instrument fundamentals, solo repertoire, rudimental vocabulary and most important music theory and language. Goals vary from student to student, I am here to help exceed those goals as well as having everyone walk away feeling accomplished and comfortable with their weekly efforts. The big picture is to make sure that the students I teach perform their music well but over time and in good practice become confident and comfort with the language of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For piano, I like the Piano Adventures Method by Faber but have also used Alfred and Bastien. I am very focused on a relaxed and precise technique, including proper rotation, articulation, flexibility, and strength, as well as teaching the ability to play without looking at the keys. For voice, I work to build a solid technique based on individual need and interest and choose songs accordingly. Proper breathing and body awareness, utilizing Alexander and Feldenkrais methods, as well as understanding of vowel and consonant articulation and of the intimate relationship between text and music is also essential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Having started piano relatively late, I was always taking account of what my experience and thoughts were as I progressed forward. I am familiar with and aware of the issues that bog down a lot of beginner students (of all ages) and try to solve these issues in unconventional and exciting ways. I don't believe that performing the same exercise over and over will get you to where you want to be -- music-making is something that happens over a very long period of time but there is always something you can do on the short term that will prove to be rewarding and musically stimulating. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing musical independence among my students. It is my goal that they can confidently approach a piece, making informed decisions about both technical and musical aspects. To facilitate this, I employ creative mnemonic techniques, transforming complex concepts into catchy and memorable phrases. By integrating multiple schools of music and violin playing, including Russian, French, and American traditions, I provide students with a holistic foundation. My approach blends technical exercises inherited from pedagogues like Ivan Galamian with interpretive insights gained from world-class musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I believe the most important component of music lessons is finding music the student loves to play. If a teacher can foster a genuine love of music in a student, that student is, generally speaking, guaranteed to put forth a generous effort toward learning complete pieces. If a student does not enjoy playing the music that is put in front of them, they are unlikely to put forward the effort necessary to progress as a musician. Read More

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

I sincerely believe that even the most basic material can be made to "sound good", and I stress this from the beginning. I'm big on playing duets. I'll tend to toss in tidbits about the physics of sound, or how muscle memory works. I like to engage the curiousity of the student in this way. I like to ask students about what music they like, and what they would like to do--play in a school talent show? Read More