Music Lessons in Gaithersburg, MD

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Also, I will use books by Czerny and early Bach tutorials. My teacher at Peabody, Fernando Laires was a student of Isidor Philipp (who himself was of the school of Chopin and Lizst) and as a result I teach the independence, relaxed form, and energy conservation of their schools of technique. For percussion I focus on rudiments, and stick control. When teaching drum set, I teach keeping time, fills, and cross-sticking. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a dedicated educator that believes in my student's achievement. During my graduate studies I had the opportunity to educate myself in various styles of teaching. Today, I use traditional music education tools with my students with elements of the Russian conservatory style of learning that developed fine pianists like Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Student's in my studio can perform at entry level up to college skill. I am able to teach students who are advanced and interested in taking piano to new heights. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have found that for musicians at all levels, especially beginners, exploration is key. Learning an instrument is like building a relationship with that instrument and discovering what sounds you can create together. I use this guided discovery as a tool for discussing technique and musical ideas. Once enough fundamentals are grasped, I introduce repertoire which will lead to a recital performance. I always keep in mind the specific interests of the student and work towards meeting their individual goals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Flute

I approach each lesson differently. I focus on the students' weaknesses and work with them on being more comfortable talking about and facing them. I usually play with the student to ensure that they know I am working just as much as they are. I also do not put intense pressure on students to learn at a tempo; I focus on what makes them enjoy playing and having fun. 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

45 minute - an hour long lesson: Warm up Work on an assigned piece or pieces Use assigned pieces to improve upon vocal or harp technique Learn how to best express the text and musical line of the piece For vocal music - create an interpretation unique to the student Work on pieces that stretch and challenge the student Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I work with children, however, I focus primarily on ear training and music theory, knowing that those skills will help them out so much more as adult musicians than prematurely trying to learn advanced techniques. In voices lessons with children, I limit my technique-talk to breathing and vowels. (Of course, for those kids who have no concept of what their head voice is, we work on that, too.)Other than that, we focus heavily on solfge, learning to read music, developing a sense of rhythm and internal pulse, and other musicianship skills. Read More