Music Lessons in Harwood, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am passionate about helping others find their passion especially in music. I love teaching people how to make cool sounds with their voices. What I run into a lot is that a long time ago someone told My student that they could not sing and it's funny how people carry that with them throughout their lives so my job is to change that perception. It's not always easy. I tried to give my students clear expectations of what I want and try to make them feel comfortable by using humor and getting them to relax and not be afraid to make an ugly sound Read More

Instruments: Violin Fiddle

When teaching fiddle I teach students starting on simple tunes that we learn by ear and memorize. With a few standard well known tunes down I use those to demonstrate more of the nuances of fiddle performance. The process of learning fiddle is a simultaneous process of learning how to pick up tunes quickly by ear and play them idiomatically so there is not much in the way of text that I use in the actual lessons however I will recommend readings depending on how much the student is interested in that, otherwise we mostly have a fun time playing fiddle Music Theory I teach using the standard AP music theory text and the Kostka Tonal harmony book or other textbooks that the student is using from their classes. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I individualize my instruction based on each student's musical background and goals. Each student is unique, and has his or her own unique learning style. However, for beginning piano students I tend to start with either the Bastien Piano Library, Alfred Piano Library, or Faber Piano Adventures to provide a basic groundwork and methodology. For vocal students, I craft their study depending on the style of music that the student expresses an interest in and organize their technical studies to accommodate that vocal style. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

I have made sure to transfer all of these skills to my private teaching. I am very direct with my students and act as facilitator in lesson discussions, and to try not making decisions for them. I heavily employ the "trial by fire" and "sink or swim" methods, as I've found those the most effective in my lifetime of learning new things. However, I am flexible in going back and reteaching and remodeling, as long as we still keep our "eyes on the prize", whether that be personal rewards, scholastic musical awards, musical career advancement, music therapy approach/feelings, etc. Read More