Music Lessons in Paris, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In addition to having performed on thousands of stages around the world over the last 15 years, I have been teaching private lessons in percussion for the last 10 years. I have experience teaching individual and group lessons, in some cases with groups of over 50 students. In addition to lessons which address the practical concerns involved in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of drums, percussion, & cello, I teach lessons in structuring performances (aimed mostly at bands looking to take their live production to the next level), prepping for studio time, tailoring performances to their setting (studio, venues small & large, workshops), and techniques for learning large volumes of material quickly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I found love when I learned to make music. I have been playing saxophone since elementary school and even focused my college studies around it, graduating with honors from Florida AM University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music. I've had a wide range of experiences through music from Superbowl appearances to touring China as a musical ambassador for the 2008 Olympic games. I've performed with a number of well known jazz and classically trained musicians including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I am a pianist, collaborative pianist, piano teacher, and vocal coach with over 20 years experience working with conservatories, universities, opera companies and music festivals. As a performer I have played solo, symphonic and chamber music repertory in the US and Europe. As I teacher, I have been on the Evening Division Faculty of The Juilliard School for the past nine years, where I teach a course in the preparation of art song and opera. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

At a first lesson I try to find out what these needs snd wants are snd discuss the various ways of obtaining these goals. If their goals are not reasonable I will discuss this but I will never destroy their hopes. I once had a six year old student who after one lesson wanted her daughter to compete in this world competition. I thought to myself she couldnt never as l after one lesson and the deadline for the competition was in three months, but I did let her know with time and practice such a goal could be possible. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Suzuki, and easy scales. Once the student has progressed and appears to grasp the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce etudes and solo pieces. I also teach students elementary music theory related to the pieces they are learning. For advanced students, I focus more on their technique and performance. Scales and etudes are essential as well as having experience playing a diverse repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Read More

Instruments: Piano

In my time as a piano student, I've had 3 different teachers with very different styles. What worked for me was having a teacher sit in a chair beside me to be able to see everything and help me as I went. The music itself plays a huge role in that because if you like a song you're learning you will learn it faster and more efficiently than a song you don't like. Read More