Music Lessons in Jefferson, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

Lessons are challenging yet fun. As students improve their skills, I find they usually enjoy playing even more than when they started. I try to find ways to make scales and tone exercises more interesting so students are more likely to incorporate these things into their daily practice. It is also important to choose repertoire that is the right level of difficulty so students are not bored or frustrated. When a student is struggling with a new concept or a difficult technical challenge, I can offer them many different ways to identify and then practice the issue. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have taught a full range of ages and abilities from adult beginners to music school bound high schoolers to classes of young children and know that every student has a unique frame of reference and set of goals. For everyone, I focus on making the instrument feel as comfortable and organic as possible calling on my background with diverse movement modalities from Feldenkrais to dance to sports. I often recommend a Suzuki track for beginner students (I am SAA certified) and I always work to find repertoire and styles which are relatable for each individual. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

For beginner clarinet and bassoon students, I usually start with either the Standard of Excellence or Accent on Achievement method books. More specifically for intermediate or more advanced students I use the J. Weissenborn Method for Bassoon and the H. Klose Method for Clarinet. Once students have progressed, at-level solo repertoire is introduced. I also try to find or write music that is current in order to spark and keep interest in their chosen instrument and to keep students engaged regardless of their ability. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a composer and clarinetist who wants to fill the world with music by composing, performing, and teaching. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2011 with a BA in Music, where I primarily focused on clarinet performance, as well as music theory and composition. I am currently a master's student at George Mason University, and continue to actively play that clarinet. I have performed with numerous groups, including the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Mary Washington Jazz Ensemble, the City of Fairfax Band, and the Mason Modern Music Ensemble (M3E) at George Mason University. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching in my own home and in student's homes for 9 years. I excel in teaching my students to be proficient sight readers because I want them to gain the ability to sit down with any piece of music and play it. I believe my job as a teacher has been fulfilled if my students reach a point where they no longer require my help. I also want my students to reap the benefits of music that go beyond performance at the keyboard, such as confidence, enhanced motor skills, challenging mental stimulation, a desire to learn, and emotional development. Read More