Music Lessons in Reston, VA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

 In essence it helps to build basic musical vocabulary using skills they already have, but may not know that they have them.  For intermediate, advanced, and older students in general I have a more flexible approach that is based upon their goals or lack thereof.  For all students I always emphasize knowledge of music theory and real life application of their musical education toward realizing their own musical goal or dream, as humble or as grand as it may be. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I don't believe in just one way, each student is different! For beginners, often the struggle is getting a good sound out of the flute and learning fingering and how to read music all at the same time. I like to take it step-by-step with reasonable goals. As students progress, we start to incorporate more and more into the repertoire while focusing on fundamentals and sound. But, I like to keep it fun along the way by playing along with my students, bringing in duet music and listening to the greats like Galway. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

Singing is fun! I love to watch my students be passionate about the material they do, and select repertoire with specific intent. I excel in repertoire finding and coaching, and I like to give song options to students— though it is up to the singer to perform what they like. Learning to sing is a different process for each person individually, and I believe that there is no fixed formula for all singers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I focus on 3 fundamental aspects of music education: sight-reading, music theory and ear training. I will typically use a method book like the Berklee Basic Guitar: Phase 1 and 2 or Berklee Modern Guitar Method: Volumes 1,2,and 3, for advanced students. I also use Hal Leonard and other methods that may be more appropriate for some students. My method includes extensive use of online video and tutorial resources, plus the "Play Guitar for Life" video series that I can make available for interested students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Chicago expat; United States Navy Band drummer; I have developed a reputation for my professionalism and versatility as a musician. Moving to Chicago was the catalyst for my musical career. The diverse and robust Chicago music scene helped mold me into a first-call sideman over the course of a 9-year stint. I enjoyed playing the role of chameleon in many genres: jazz, funk, contemporary pop, New Orleans brass band, zydeco, singer-songwriter, and musical theater among others. Read More