Music Lessons in Portsmouth, VA

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I teach Classically trained Violin, viola, and piano. I am equally comfortable teaching very beginners as well as high school and adult students. I am very honest in my feedback. I like to stick to the former. I strongly believe that a good, strong foundation leads to fewer problems in the future and makes the process of music-making much more enjoyable. My main goal is to help raise individuals, who are critical thinkers, who are passionate about what they do, and who will take their love of music into the adulthood whether playing it professionally or as an amateur. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My name is Phillip, and I'm a passionate musician with a love for teaching. I started playing guitar when I was in 6th grade of middle school, and started taking lessons, and grew with experience from there. I went to college to study business and music, while also still taking lessons by my favorite instructor, Gary Rhum from Rhum Academy of Music, which is also where my teaching began. I volunteered to help with the Academy with upkeep, as well as teaching and instructing children in guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a firm believer in having each student learn basic scales, starting with five finger patterns for beginners, since a solid grasp on this technique will aid them in learning any piece. For beginning younger students, I start teaching them from a method book that best suits their learning style. Since each student is different, one method does not fit every student, and I have taught Alfred's Premier Performer, Mayron Cole Piano Method, Hal Leonard, and more. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I started out playing cornet in elementary school, switching to Baritone horn in middle school and switching to tuba in the high school band. I also began playing bass guitar in those high school days in the late '60s and early '70s. Playing in rock bands, I decided to Study music at Norfolk State and Old Dominion University, after high school, wanting to learning more about music. I began playing professionally with the Norfolk Symphony, played in the pit band for touring Broadway shows, and subsequently hit the road as a touring musician with popular regional dance bands. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Simply put, music is one of the greatest forces for good in this world that I have had the pleasure to experience. I'd like to give to my students the ability to find the same joy I have found in it, and this is my primary focus in any teaching situation. Because of this, I make it a point to learn what influences and inspires each person I work with so that I can better put myself in their shoes and get an idea of what stylistic avenues they may enjoy pursuing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

With all of my students I am kind, patient, gentle, humorous, encouraging, and positive with my feedback. Students regularly give feedback on the music they are making, as well as any new ways they think I might be helpful to them. I use Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory to help inform me of the students learning style. My goal is to nurture each students musical process. I support whatever pace students choose to employ, and tailor my instruction to their needs and wants. Read More