Music Lessons in Gapland, DC

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

I grew up in the Washington DC area playing Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, and Baritone Sax. I attended Walt Whitman High School and was a member of its award winning Jazz Ensemble as a Tenor Saxophonist. In 2003 I was selected as the lead Alto Saxophonist for the Maryland All-State Jazz Ensemble. I went on to study Jazz at Emory University in Atlanta under Gary Motley and E.J. Hughes. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Once students master these basics through the classes and the occasional take home studies, we will then work on rudiments around the whole drum set to develop freeform soloing, before moving on to Jazz and Latin beats. I ask my students to work on rudiments at home comfortably between TV commercials, and to work on the notation, reading and groove lessons for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for low stress progression. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

Drums: Pad , Drumset, and occassional Hand-drumming sessions. Classical Staff instruction in drums, I use a different methodology here , (Guitar being a new-age music theory approach.) Guitar: Acoustic, Acoustic-Electric, Electric, with a pick or without a pick styles. I teach tablature and diagrams and charts. I can get you through novice on into intermediate play with classical staff, but if you want to go advanced, stick with the tabs and such for the while. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For beginning students I try to start with the essentials. It is important for young children to become familiar with the instrument, the proper way to hold an instrument. The proper way to sit when playing or stand while singing. Fundamentals at the earliest ages are essential. Practicing the fundamentals leads to success which leads to a desire to learn more about the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

When it comes to teaching, I like to tailor each lesson to what the student needs, and that may be slightly different for each person. I find duets are a great way to get better at sight reading and improving tuning, so I usually bring a level appropriate duet or two to each lesson. Scales, basic music theory and even some music history are all part of lessons, in addition to other repertoire to develop tone, technique, and musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Most of my experience with teaching has taken place while traveling on the road and helping individuals prepare for recording sessions. However for more than 10 years now, I've rendered my services at neighborhood schools (elementary and high school); music workshops; private homes; and local churches; working with young people as an assistant teacher, private music teacher and/ or teaching artist. The greatest lessons I have ever taught and that I believe that I can ever teach, are the importance of observation, listening, proper application and the embracing of patience while enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I enjoy teaching students of various age levels and experiences. I am happy to help upcoming middle school, high school or college students. I tailor my lessons to fit the needs of each student I teach without pushing a student too hard. I try to use feedback from each student to determine and plan out lessons on the trumpet. I have various teaching materials that I am happy to share with my students in the off chance they do not have anything they are currently working on. Read More