Music Lessons in Oxon Hill, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style varies for each student's individual needs. For beginner students I often try the easiest way for the student to enjoy the lesson while also giving the most value in their time. It is my desire to show every student that they have what is capable of making great music, now. Creating a supportive environment for the student to explore their instrument in all ways and gain the understanding that everything they do on their instrument is an opportunity to learn and grow is of utmost importance to me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I was also a member of the school's jazz ensembles and began to study improvisation. Between 2008 and 2013 I taught classes and lessons, mostly classical in nature, but also played regularly in jazz ensembles around Washington DC. I honed my improvisation skills through attending Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop in NY and recieving lessons from the great Lee Konitz. I've had the opportunity to play with many formidable members of the jazz community, both old and young, and have performed at many venues. 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: Piano Trumpet

For students just starting out the focus is always on the fundamentals. Hal Leonard has some great Essential Elements books. When students show progress with these types of instruction manuals we'll usually jump to specific pieces of music that focus on the elements that we learned about in our method books. Lessons are tailored to the student and his or her needs and goals. All students aren't shooting to play at Carnegie Hall or tour the World. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

On the first lesson, I like to help students create realistic, long-term goals for themselves. Then the student and I develop a plan to help them achieve them. Learning tools include method books, recordings of the lesson, and playing along with me. I also make solo pieces available, and encourage the student to participate in local recitals. My lessons generally follow the county public school's music curriculum and include rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sightreading, theory and song form. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods and approach to teaching a student all depend on the student (or group of students). I like to find out what attracts my students to music, and more specifically, why they want to learn to play piano. By investigating the motives of my students, I can better tailor a lesson that delivers both what they want to learn and what they need to learn. Once the goals are known, we begin to build a foundation of technical and creative exercises to increase skill and comprehension within the realm of playing piano. Read More