Music Lessons in Ocean Park, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students are are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Student Piano Library series for younger students and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for pre-teen/teenagers. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For older students, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engagin and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

I began teaching trumpet privately 44 years ago. Over the years I have added voice, beginning piano, trombone, euphonium,and recorder to my studio. I encourage each student to practice several times a week for as long as they can. I find that some students like to practice in one sitting, whereas others prefer to practice for 10-15 minutes before taking a break and then returning. I convey to each student that working at your craft for 10,000 hours will make you an expert. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started teaching at an Academy of Music in Kokomo, IN, where my instructor, Gary, felt like I was experienced enough to start giving lessons. I was a little nervous about it at first, but once I got started with my first student, I realized I had a lot of fun teaching! Ever since then, I would teach friends who wanted to learn and they would recommend me to people they know, and I just all around enjoyed it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I possess excellent communication skills, that is to say, I listen well to my students before I speak. My students are free and encouraged to express their goals and they become comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves. I always use easy to understand and practical piano books chosen based on the student's experience, age, and goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn

I am a passionate and motivated teacher who loves working with students of all ages and experience levels. Making music attainable to everyone is my first love. I believe that anyone given the right training and proper practice can have an enjoyable experience making music. I have a diverse background of experiences all over the country and world. The diversity in my background allows me to relate to many different students of varying backgrounds and experience. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In high school I was fortunate to work with some local jazz musicians. One was a famous jazz guitarist named Lenny Breau. We had an artist in residence program with composer/ drummer Steve Grover and he was a big influence on me along with Dick Demers. I have performed in symphonies. I have done many Broadway musicals playing in the pit. I have played in many bands. Before I moved to Virginia I was living in Maine and playing in 5 bands. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Although this is my first official teaching job, I began teaching back in 2011 during my freshman year of high school. I had the pleasure of conducting and teaching both concert and chamber orchestra. I then became a student assistant my senior year and was able to do one-on-one's with the younger students. I encourage my students to go home and practice their scales. They are the key to the perfect bow hand/movement, structure, and agile finger movement. Read More