Music Lessons in Garrisonville, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello

I feel that my job as a teacher is to facilite my students' indivual growth and development as they make their own way along their musical paths in life.  My happiness comes from watching my students gain more confidence after reaching goals that they set for themselves in our sessions.  It's important to me that everyone feels good about themselves which is why I started a 'Student Spotlight' newsletter to highlight accomplishments such as completing a book or performing with the school orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I am primarily a trumpet player, although I am versed in other instruments as well. I attended Manhattan School Music and studied with some of the best trumpet professors and players in the country. While living in New York, I played in all sorts of groups from Orchestras to Jazz bands to Salsa. Since moving to this area I have expanded the styles I have played to include Blues, Reggae, Disco, RB, Wedding Bands, Hip Hop, etc. 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: Violin

I think the violin is very special. It’s such a difficult instrument that requires lots of commitment and dedication. I would have never reached my level now if it weren’t for the teachers who were firm and persistent with me. I translate this back to my own teaching methods so I am a firm teacher but at the same time I do my best to make lessons engaging and that my students take pride in their improvements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always ask students, both young and old, if they have goals they would like to work towards in lessons, and I then tailor lessons to help students achieve their goals. I listen to a students interests as well, and incorporate more into the lessons that will motivate and keep lessons fun, whether that is adding in time for composition/songwriting, learning how to play pop chords on the piano, or mixing in Disney/appropriate pop songs as well as classical and musical theater selections! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Style: Lessons should be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, one that is conducive to learning. I go about teaching by demonstrating,explaining and elucidating the different musical concepts.Every student is unique , so i utilize various methods and different approaches to suit each individual's needs and capabilities. In my many years of teaching, what I have realized is that proper technique should be emphasized as early as possible so that the student will not carry bad traits both in practice and in performance. Read More