Music Lessons in Laytonsville, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students I will utilize either the "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Faber - Hal Leonard's Piano Adventures" with the particular books selected to fit the student's age and skill level. I also enhance lessons by integrating scale pattern practice as well as exploration with simple boogie-woogie bass patterns; encouragement to sing and play where the lessons provide such an arrangement; and tinkering creating very simple melody lines and lyrics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I've been teaching piano and voice in the Northern Virginia area for over fifteen years. I have worked at studios such as Jordan Kitts Music and Music and Arts, and have done in-home lessons at students homes, which I still do now. My students range from beginners to intermediate level players, and my approach combines popular music with classical, jazz and traditional styles. Of course, in the beginning they learn to play simple songs that they are familiar with like Frere Jacques, Old McDonald, Jingle Bells and so on. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Unless requested otherwise, I primarily work with the Suzuki Method. For those unfamiliar, this is a methodology formulated on the belief that all children are capable of learning the violin at any age and skill level. This method works with play learning, ear training, and instilling a musicality from a young age. I augment these Suzuki books with other exercises, depending on the skill level of the student. This includes Galamian scales and other etudes for them to build strong foundations. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My method focuses on the student's goals. Once the student's goals are established, I focus on the techniques required to achieve said goals. In addition to "traditional" instrumental technique, I focus on listening and analysis (for intermediate/advanced students). For beginners, I use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. My method focuses on the student's goals. Once the student's goals are established, I focus on the techniques required to achieve said goals. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder

Nothing makes me happier than being able to teach my students and help them learn or enhance their ability to perform flute and understand the music they are sharing with others. I enjoy helping my students achieve more and continuously inspire them to become better musicians. Through regular practice and mentorship, I teach them to became independent and confident performers. My goal has always been to be a facilitator of my students' journeys to success and hopefully to encourage them to fall in love with the flute just like I did at a very young age. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I begin with determining the objectives of my student. For example, a student may want to work on increasing his/her range, improving tone, learning techniques for a certain style, or may want to establish a repertoire of songs or “90-second cuts” for an audition. With that information, I design a program to meet these objectives. We proceed at a comfortable pace and monitor the goals and objectives often. My teaching style is relaxed and fun but devoted to working on proper vocal technique and confidence building. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

The foundation of my teaching is based on listening, which sounds simple. But, it's not always easy! The awareness needed to listen mindfully will set the foundation to enable students to make informed musical decisions on their own. Additionally, practicing is an art form in and of itself, and it's much more than playing pieces over and over again. Practicing efficiently requires listening, of course, and problems solving skills. In addition to presenting the fundamental skills of music making, I address the aspects needed to make informed decisions. Read More