Music Lessons in Manassas, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

I've enjoyed teaching a wide variety of students each year since 2009 with most being middle or high schoolers. Many students the opportunity to perform in recitals or other public performances and several students successfully auditioned for Maryland All State Ensembles. I was a private instructor and led woodwind sectionals at the Bullis School in Potomac, MD where I taught lessons for 8 years. My favorite style of music is from the Hard Bop Jazz Era of the 1950s-60s but I also enjoy teaching and performing a wide variety of styles. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

For young children (ages 4-10), I focus primarily on building a foundation in rhythm, pitch matching, and vocal warm ups (wolf howls, lip trills, tongue trills, etc.). I also encourage young children to bring in songs they enjoy singing, and use those songs to help build their understanding of musical structure. For slightly more experienced children (those who already can read music) I teach using the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) guidelines. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I've been teaching private music lessons since I first started college in 2004. I've taught at community centers, afterschool programs, and music stores since graduating in 2008, and started my own home studio about 2 years ago. I like to teach the rudiments, as the fundamentals of music and of one's instrument provide the solid base upon which all else is built, though I also stress creativity for all my students. I encourage students to draw from many genres of music, and not limit themselves to one style or method of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods and approach to teaching a student all depend on the student (or group of students). I like to find out what attracts my students to music, and more specifically, why they want to learn to play piano. By investigating the motives of my students, I can better tailor a lesson that delivers both what they want to learn and what they need to learn. Once the goals are known, we begin to build a foundation of technical and creative exercises to increase skill and comprehension within the realm of playing piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Teaching is most rewarding when you see the student enjoying themselves, while improving on their instrument. I believe that each student has their own specific musical journey, and it is important to set realistic, attainable goals that help move that journey along at the student's specific pace. It is important to have honest positive communication about the students progress, always focusing on the positive. When working with young students it is necessary to set an example musically, professionally, and personally as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Positive. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. I get the student to think for himself. In a sense we are ALL "self-taught players." My job is primarily correcting bad habits and introducing new material and techniques. Read More