Music Lessons in Portsmouth, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I use traditional and self developed techniques for instruction. I am very flexible with my teaching styles and am very patient with new students. I use method books and audio and visual aids. I teach both reading music with theory and ear training. I require that all students are able to master all major and minor scales, which I have developed a very simple to learn method to achieve this goal with a 100% success rate. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am well versed of the many piano method books out there for students today. I recommend to my younger students Alfreds Premier Piano Course or Fabers Piano Adventures. For my adult students, I recommend Alfreds All-in-One Adult Piano Course because it offers a coherent approach to a well-rounded music education at the piano. Once my students have grasped the fundamentals, I begin to introduce repertoire that fits their needs and wants. 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: Trumpet

My first lesson with all of my students begin with an introduction, where we get to know a little bit about each other. I like to know the goals/expectations of my students. We will also do a number of fundamental exercises so I can get a feel for where the student currently is. For students of all ages, I aim to use the William Adam method while teaching. Simply put, the William Adam method focuses primarily on sound production. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am an instructor whose passion is teaching students of all ages the love of music on the piano. In 2020, I graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance under Dr. Benjamin Corbin. While getting this degree, I realized my passion for teaching and went to get a graduate degree at George Mason University to get a Masters in Music with a concentration in keyboard pedagogy under Dr. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Piccolo Mallet Percussion

For my own beginner students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. 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 adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More