Music Lessons in Rectortown, VA

Instruments: Piano Flute

I have been teaching music for over 15 years. My lessons are very specific and similar in structure and format. Regardless of which direction the student wishes to take their musical development, a foundation of classical training is mandatory. I teach classical piano and flute but have opened up the lessons to include pop, rock and jazz on occasion. I am patient yet strict. I temper my expectations of excellence to fit my perception of my student's capabilities. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I am a passionate performer and instructor, and I love working with students of all ages. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, where I am currently pursuing my Masters of Music in Vocal Pedagogy with a Contemporary Commercial Music emphasis. I am a working actor, as I am currently auditioning and staying active in the industry. This is what makes me the multifaceted, fully equipped teacher for musical theatre students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days in Toronto, where I started teaching privately. I started teaching part-time about 5 years ago, and have been consistently teaching since. I am fortunate that I get to work with a lot of young kids, and get to introduce them to the world of music and help them develop their passion early on. Teaching is a great source of energy for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been playing professionally for the past 33 years in different musical situations from Jazz Festivals, Broadway Musicals, Session Recordings, as a Show band Musician on Ships etc...And have taught numerous students who have gone on to various fields of musical endeavor.I also released my debut cd in 2011 "The Long Road Taken" with my own group the RDP Project which is available in Itunes, CDBaby and 10 other digital distribution sites. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginning students who are children, I usually like to start with either the Essential Elements books or the Rubank Elementary book. Once the student has learned the basics, they will be able to work on solos as well as focusing on developing technique, accurate rhythm and tone. For adults, I like to have an idea of their goals and what they are hoping to take out of their lessons. Read More