Music Lessons in Newington, VA

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

One of my greatest joys is teaching and sharing my love of music. Since graduating from Norfolk State University in 2009 with a degree in music education, my career has been devoted to teaching elementary and early childhood music as well as private clarinet and bassoon lessons. Originally from the Tidewater area in Virginia, I have had the opportunity to perform with ensembles such as the Tidewater Winds Concert Band and the Virginia Beach Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who have never held an instrument or don't know anything about music we'll go over basic guitar fundamentals we'll talk about different types of guitars, how to hold the guitar in classical and folk style positions, how to press your fingers on the strings (because there is a way), body parts of the guitar, basic music concepts such as beat and rhythm, how to read music both standard and tabs, basic guitar exercises, and a few fun songs once the fundamentals have been practiced enough. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Timing is everything with drums. Students will learn the basic beats while learning how to add in appropriate fills to make what they're playing sound whole and professional. For intermediate students I will assess where they are in their playing and style they want to go for. I will then take that and teach them new ways to get to where they want to go. Being a drummer is a very fun activity, but being a great drummer takes patience and work. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I will introduce solo repertoire suited for his or her first recital performance. I introduce etudes to the students after the student demonstrates the ability to play several simple pieces well. For intermediate and advanced students, I typically do not let them play a piece at a certain grade level until they have finished playing one piece one grade level below that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to a month after I picked up the guitar, when I started teaching a group of highschool friends how to play. Later, at the Field School, I created a club for other Field students to learn how to play guitar in a group setting. At the same time I took a job as a clerk at the local guitarshop and began teaching beginner students privately. Read More