Music Lessons in Mount Washington, MD

Instruments: Piano

I individualize my instruction based on each student's musical background and goals. Each student is unique, and has his or her own unique learning style. However, for beginning piano students I tend to start with either the Bastien Piano Library, Alfred Piano Library, or Faber Piano Adventures to provide a basic groundwork and methodology. For vocal students, I craft their study depending on the style of music that the student expresses an interest in and organize their technical studies to accommodate that vocal style. Read More

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

Mark Deffenbaugh is an innovative, and provocative Jazz Artist and Educator. As a keyboardist, composer, and producer he has turned the heads of many of the most talented and famous personalities in Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B. Mark started his career early, playing gigs, in the Washington D.C. area, starting at the age of sixteen. Within a few short years he had numerous live and television performances to his credit. 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

Instruments: Piano Music

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience dates back to around 2017 when I first took a class in vocal pedagogy. In the class, I learned about the inner workings of the voice, the musculature and how to properly teach voices of any age. Since then, I have been working diligently to relay the most valuable information from my own teachers to my own students including proper breath support, open throat singing, and above all, having fun while doing so. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I use several different method books for teaching. I try to use the method that best matches the goals of the student or the parents of the student. I currently use: Alfred's, Bastien, Piano Adventures andProgressive methods primarily. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I utilize every instruction manual possible as well as my own experience from 15 years of teaching in the classroom. I am able to differentiate for students with special needs that include developmental delay, accommodation, honors, and gifted. I specialize in classroom instruction as well as private lessons. Depending on student needs and wants, I tailor a specific learning plan to help students progress beyond current skill levels. I make every effort to give students experience in new genres and reinforce knowledge in familiar genres. Read More