Music Lessons in Ironsides, MD

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I start with the basics - proper posture and hand position, introduction to the keyboard and note recognition. In my experience, the Faber series is the most widely followed to get students started on their musical journey. As students progress, I ensure that they develop a repertoire that consists of at least 3 songs. I emphasize the importance of technical exercises that begin with 5 finger scales and advance to proper octave scales. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I grew up on Long Island New York and am currently finsihing up my music education degree at George Mason University. I have been playing flute for 13 years now and it's time I share my experience and love for music with others!To me, music is an outlet and it's important that my students fall in love with music while also learning about it. Music has always been a driving force in my life and one of the greatest things I've been involved in. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I am originally from Memphis, TN, but I grew up in the small college town of Auburn, AL. I now reside in Northern Virginia and am a Trombone Instrumentalist in the Quantico Marine Corps Band. In the band, I perform regularly in military ceremonies, as well as concert bands, brass bands, and brass quintets. Before joining the Marine Corps, I studied with Dr. Matthew Wood of Auburn University. After my completion of Marine Corps Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, I attended the Marine Detachment Naval School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

Currently he not only spends a good deal of time practicing and writing but also learning modern styles of music making such as Logic Pro and Ableton. As a writer, arranger, and performer Mike has recorded and written for 10 albums and played as a freelancer on countless more. His studies have exposed him to Classical music, World music, Jazz, Contemporary styles, Pop, Rock, Bluegrass, Americana, Funk, RB, and Hip Hop. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner school-aged cellists:  I start this group off in the Essential Elements book 1 to ensure that the student is getting the fundamentals or theory and technique.  After the student feels comfortable playing with the bow, I add the Suzuki book 1 to the repertoire.  After completing Essential Elements Book 1, I then like to introduce the Schroeder etudes in addition to continuing to work our way through all 8 books in the Suzuki series. Read More