Music Lessons in Mount Rainier, MD

Instruments: Piano Flute

A good technical foundation is the hallmark of musical performance, appreciation and motivation. I believe the student witnessing their own progress develop serves a greater motivation than any empty words a teacher can say. Their own satisfaction prompts them to practice more, fed by the very spark of musical desire they possess within them. Practicing is not fun, but playing music is. To be able to pick up new music and play it on the spot are the moments of vindication that makes the student realize their efforts have truly been worth it. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I've been teaching trumpet for nearly 30 years, over half that time since I've been living and teaching in my home studio in Woodbridge, Virginia.  I encourage each student to not just practice, but to practice correctly so as to show them that the quality of their practice time will yield better results than the quantity of the same.  I tell them:   If you practice correctly, you get better. If you get better, you play with better players. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano

If there's anything I've learned over the years as a piano teacher, it's that every student develops and progresses at his or her own pace. My job, if doing it well, is to work with them, at THEIR pace, while at the same time, encouraging and pushing them forward. Just as some baseball managers are regarded as a player's manager, I like to consider myself a student's coach. That is, a teacher who is in the student's corner, supporting them, encouraging them, believing in them, no matter how much they may struggle, or how many bumps in the road they may face along their musical journeys. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing my students learn at their own pace, lessons are not to be rushed and homework is not to be treated carelessly. Understanding and being able to interpret the history of a piece is just as important and learning it, how are you to convince an audience without knowing it for yourself? I encourage this by setting realistic and well obtainable goals. Recognition for accomplishments is definitely a helping tool as well as fuel for progress of vocal abilities. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I have been playing the trombone for over 15 years, and I have been teaching private lessons on all brass instruments for more than 10 years. I grew up in North Carolina, and I did my undergraduate degree at The Boston Conservatory and my masters at Arizona State University in May 2014. I am a second-year doctoral student at the University of Maryland! I have had the opportunity to perform throughout the New England Area, the Southeast, the Southwest and Italy. Read More

Instruments: Ukulele

With a beginner student, I start with the basics. We learn how to properly hold the instrument and how to tune the strings. From there, the students will learn the fundamentals of finger placement and basic strumming. Once the student feels comfortable, we start to learn different chords and scales. At this point, students will begin learning songs with basic chords. Once we get past this stage the lessons become more tailored to the individual student and we begin to learn and play music that the student is interested in. Read More