Music Lessons in Opal, VA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Adult students I have taught typically want to learn to do two things: 1) accompany themselves on an instrument while singing a popular song or 2) learn to play with others ... whether that be a jam session during a jazz set ... or playing behind someone else that is singing or playing a lead instrument. For these adult learners I lean toward teaching chords, arpeggios and scales. Important: I suggest that a student only practice 15 to 20 minutes a day ... whatever amount of time it takes to cover the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been playing guitar and singing for 20 years. I have formal guitar training from John Jennings (of Mary Chapin Carpenter) and Tom Giata (One Life to Live, All My Children, etc.). I also have had formal vocal training from Matt Kramer (Saigon Kick). I am certified to teack Piano, Guitar and Voice beginner and intermediate levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I usually start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. Then, I progress onto Dozen a Day, and finally Hanon and Czerny. For the advanced students, I start right from Hanon and Czerny, and go onto Burgmuller. If there is time, I will add on Rebikov for hand separation practice. Repertoire is often chosen based on the student's ability at the time. I will most likely start with repertoire from Easy Classics to Modern, and later add on repertoire that matches the student's style (such as jazz or R&B). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching piano 10 years ago while attending Texas Tech University. I have taught students ages 3 years old to 65 years young! Additionally, I have been teaching voice for 8 years. I have taught privately, taught at middle schools and high schools, and even was an adjunct professor at NYU from 2008-2010 while I was in graduate school. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

I use a combination of methods tailored to a student's needs and goals. With very young students, I use play to focus on movement and musical thinking. With young students who are reading or starting to read, I usually use a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional French methods like Moyse, focusing on singing, memory, and tunefulness while allowing students to self-direct the learning of reading sheet music. With teen and adult beginners, I focus a bit more on literacy and rhythm while providing a combination of quickly learned progressive pieces and long-term projects. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach with the approach that the zest for music can grow into a lifelong passion for any person if their interests are nurtured and challenged. I like to work with each student to set personal goals based off what inspires them. For many budding musicians, working on a song that they love can make all the difference between practice feeling like a chore and practice becoming something they take up of their own accord. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael's approach to voice training is grounded in physiological and developmentally appropriate techniques. While this does not necessarily preclude any particular style of music, he believes very strongly that vocal health and well-being should take precedence in one's study of singing and that it is good for students to gain a diverse musical experience. Read More