Music Lessons in Lyon Village, DC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to high school when I started teaching cello to students in my school district's orchestra program. Since then, I have continued to teach freelance through personal connections, Musika, and various non-profit organizations. Furthermore, I am currently in my internship to become a board certified music therapist, and have experience teaching music to individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and dementia/Alzheimer's. I challenge my students to reach their potential while making sure they have the room to thrive in a safe and fun environment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will study where you are at, whether it be beginner, advanced or anywhere in between and then I will help you develop your skill set further. One of the most important aspects of learning an instrument is practices on your own. Once you learn the lesson of the session, you will be able to take that home and memorize it for the next session. This way you will be getting the most out of each session, learning something new every time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music Club was where it all started; from there, I branched out into private lessons, starting with my peers, and later working with references and other community members who heard I was making rounds. In college, in addition to private lessons, I also began teaching grade school classes at a nearby school. These classes were more focused on understanding the basics of rhythm, harmony, melody, and how they interact - what makes music sound good to our ears, and how to use those things for creative self-expression. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Board of Education with Ellington Concert Choir, Washington, DC • Performed for Birth of a Nation Soundtrack Release • Current and Past Performer for private engagements such as Weddings, Corporate Events, Memorial Services, etc. • Performed at New Orleans Jazz festival and was afforded to share the stage with Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Alicia Keys, and Dave Hollister • Performed at The Wes Angeles Church of God in Christ, Los Angeles, CA • Dayton Preforming Arts Alliance- Dayton Opera Company Chorister for Samson and Delilah at Schuster center (Dayton, OH 2008) Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Read More

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

During his time in school, Mike performed in a number of different groups. He has played in situations as varied as Orchestra, Big-band, African Drum Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Combo Jazz Groups, Gamelan Orchestra, Afro-Cuban Ensembles, and Mallet Ensembles. He also performed in freelance rock, jazz, jam, and improvisational groups. Mike began playing at age 7 on both piano and drums and started performing at age 14. Later he studied voice in college and picked up the banjo as another instrument to have in his repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I find that the most important part of studying an instrument is that the student gains an appreciation of music. Therefore, I make it an important part of my lessons to work on at least one thing that student is particularly interested in. I find that praising students often even when they make small gains is good encouragement and serves to further encourage them to play well and enjoy what they play. Read More