Music Lessons in Pungo, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing saxophone for almost 30 years. I started in the 5th grade and instantly fell in love with the sax. In the seventh grade, I found a new love, the violin. After only a year of playing, I obtained the status of concert master. I continued both through high school and in the ninth grade I added the bassoon to my list of insturments. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006, majoring in both the saxophone and bassoon. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

For children, my foundational methods include Leonard, Krueger, Clarke, Arban, Reinhardt, Rizzetto, Pearson, and Rubank. Solo and ensemble repertoire is introduced at the appropriate time. Time is also spent on improvisation, writing original compositions, and learning music that the students have brought to the lesson. For adults, we focus on what students are interested in working on, regardless of their ability level. Many adults want to spend part of the lesson working with the foundational methods, and spend part of the lesson learning one or two pieces of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I usually teach with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books starting with book 1 to book 3. Once they are comfortable, and progression is recognized, I will introduce Suzuki Violin School. Not only do I solely focus on the music, I give students hand and bow exercises they can do during lessons or while just sitting at home watching TV. I also recommend that my students practice in the bathroom while at home because of the natural acoustics it provides. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students I usually encourage a method book such as Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method or a Fingerstyle method book. At the same time I introduce basic chords and try to introduce songs as early as possible to show the practicality of all that is being learned. For intermediate students I ask what would like to be learned and what techniques they would like to see themselves doing in the near future. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I believe that in the world of music, a teacher's job tends to consist more of providing resources and an extra set of ears instead of actually teaching. My lessons typically consist of a 1-to-1 ratio, where I will be playing as much as the student I am working with. I believe that students need to HEAR how something is supposed to be played in order for them to be the most successful. Read More

Instruments: Drums

After graduating high school, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and startedteaching percussion atmy father's music store. Since then, I've travelled the countryto tour, record, and teach in and around southern California as well as Austin, Louisville, and many other cities and states.I ama devoted musician who loves to teach and learn while taking pride in all of the personal relationships that I've garnished from my music career. Read More