Music Lessons in Merrifield, VA

Instruments: Voice

I have recently relocated to the Charles Town WV area from Vermont. I have been teaching voice since 1989. I deeply enjoy helping students find their voice and developing their authentic style. My music background includes a great deal of performing in oratorios, choral and orchestral concerts, small vocal ensembles, musical theater, and cabarets. I am a frequent soloist at church on Sundays, as well as for funerals and weddings. I have been Director of Music for a number of large Catholic Churches, a high school choir director, and a voice teacher at the University level. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I am originally from Memphis, TN, but I grew up in the small college town of Auburn, AL. I now reside in Northern Virginia and am a Trombone Instrumentalist in the Quantico Marine Corps Band. In the band, I perform regularly in military ceremonies, as well as concert bands, brass bands, and brass quintets. Before joining the Marine Corps, I studied with Dr. Matthew Wood of Auburn University. After my completion of Marine Corps Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, I attended the Marine Detachment Naval School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Also an avid performer herself, Adrienne has toured with the New York Harlem Productions company of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, appearing as the Strawberry Woman in important European venues including the Komische Oper Berlin. She has sung in Carnegie Hall and appears on the Grammy Award winning CD “Songs of Innocence and Experience.” Perhaps her most noteworthy performance was singing for President Obama at his second term Inaugural Prayer Service. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching style is very flexible. If I see that a particular lesson isn't working, I will change to a lesson covering something the student is more interested in, and possibly not as intimidated. The main thing is for the student to gain confidence in what he/she is trying to learn. I also think that teaching my students to read music in standard notation is a very important aspect of my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My private teaching experience dates back to my late high school years and after I graduated from college I began to teach professionally and I also include a wider range of instrumentations. I specialized in woodwinds and I can also teach novice piano and brass instruments as well. In my seven years of teaching experiences, I had helped many students with their auditions and musical growth. Some of them made All-State and/or junior All-State, many students made into All-County bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

I have an arsenal of books and teaching techniques that will give the student the best chance at successful learning. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

Using that method, the student will learn not only the lower positions most commonly employed in playing, but also gain an approach to solo and advanced playing styles that utilize the thumb position. I also encourage students to transcribe and gain familiarity with musical notation so as to become a well rounded musician, not simply an awesome bassist. Additionally, I encourage students to take in musical events like concerts, club dates, virtuoso players and recordings. Read More