Music Lessons in Rapidan, VA

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Teaching is most rewarding when you see the student enjoying themselves, while improving on their instrument. I believe that each student has their own specific musical journey, and it is important to set realistic, attainable goals that help move that journey along at the student's specific pace. It is important to have honest positive communication about the students progress, always focusing on the positive. When working with young students it is necessary to set an example musically, professionally, and personally as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In addition to over a decade of performing experience, I have acquired eight years of fully funded training from three of the leading programs in the country in opera, vocal pedagogy, lyric diction (Italian, French, German and English), stage craft, acting methods, mime, mask, body awareness, and movement. This experience has equipped me with a breadth of tools and teaching methods that allow me to work successfully with any student, regardless of their experience level or learning style. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I offer private Guitar Lessons - in my studio or in your home, specializing in beginners and intermediate students. All music styles, acoustic and electric. I was inspired to learn the guitar in the 60's as a young lad. The guitar sound in those old popular songs just grabbed me and I knew I had to learn how to play. I learned to play the old fashioned way by, learning to read music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard

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: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students I will utilize either the "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Faber - Hal Leonard's Piano Adventures" with the particular books selected to fit the student's age and skill level. I also enhance lessons by integrating scale pattern practice as well as exploration with simple boogie-woogie bass patterns; encouragement to sing and play where the lessons provide such an arrangement; and tinkering creating very simple melody lines and lyrics. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More