Music Lessons in Millers, MD

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Everything we talk about carries over past the art of playing the trumpet. For example, learning how to be a team player, creativity, and the reward of daily practice teaches the student about success in many different contexts. I do expect my students to practice at least four to five times a week so that lessons are as productive as they can be. I do try to find out what inspires each student, be it types of music or anything in the outside world. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I try to cater to the each student's particular needs. For beginning students that are children I typically start with the Essential Elements Strings Book 1 in combination with Suzuki first book. As every student progresses at a different pace, I adjust my teaching curriculum accordingly. Having that in mind, I decide on the next step, usually some solo repertoire, as well as some more etudes and scales.  For adults, I tend to go with what they are particularly interested in, as well as incorporating learning basic music reading and playing skills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to teach without books as much as possible as I feel it allows the student to internalize musical concepts better. The book series I use however is the Rubank method books. These have easy fundamental exercises to help keep the chops in shape and to work on reading music. I also recommend students buy sheet music of music they like(assuming it is at their playing level) and will happily work on it with them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I have taught music for over 20 years; it is a profession that I love passionately. My students include adult beginners, students ages 7-17, and intermediate and advanced students of all ages. I am drawn to the possibilities teaching presents to discover music together with another person. Each musical soul is unique and that means the teaching process if full of discoveries and wonder at every lesson. While many of my students take piano for personal enjoyment, I am also an experienced college teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred Piano Basics. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to work from Czerny and introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More