Music Lessons in Keedysville, DC

Instruments: Trumpet

For young beginners, I start off with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as they are probably already working in this book if they are in bad at school.  Outside of that, I'll typically incorporate key beginning excercises from the Arban's Book to help develop the students sound and chops.  This was how my first teacher taught me, and I found his methods extremely helpful in my early years.  Once they're fundamentals are developed, I will begin to work on the students first recital. 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: 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: Voice

I have also performed the bass solo in Verdi’s Requiem. I am also a devoted lieder singer having performed Schubert’s Winterreise, Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Brahms’ Vier ernste Gesänge. My research interests include the application of motor learning strategies to the singing voice studio and vocal tract acoustics. My doctoral dissertation is entitled "The Application of Motor Learning Feedback in the Singing Voice Studio." https://ycp.academia.edu/ColinJohnson In addition to my doctorate, I earned a Master of Music in voice pedagogy from Shenandoah Conservatory and Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the University of Iowa. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Over 15 years teaching private piano lessons 4 years providing private piano lessons at Prince William Academy Approximately 12 years church service performance Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Having started piano relatively late, I was always taking account of what my experience and thoughts were as I progressed forward. I am familiar with and aware of the issues that bog down a lot of beginner students (of all ages) and try to solve these issues in unconventional and exciting ways. I don't believe that performing the same exercise over and over will get you to where you want to be -- music-making is something that happens over a very long period of time but there is always something you can do on the short term that will prove to be rewarding and musically stimulating. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder

I am an active, professional flautist, having earned a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Flute Performance. I was lucky to have had a rich experience in my life, to have worked with and taught a diverse group of people all over the world. I have moved numerous times between different continents both as a flute teacher and performer. First, I taught and performed in Europe, where I come from, and later in Africa including Zambia and Uganda. Read More