Music Lessons in Riverdale, MD

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

Building a students' confidence in themself, and making sure that they enjoy the music they are playing, are key points I like to address in my students. My goal is to take the spark that was ignited inside of a young musician when they first began playing music, and nurture it into a raging fire! I hope to motivate my students so that they can face music, and life, with strength and conviction. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I usually use Alfred Basic Piano Library Book 1 for beginning young students and Alfred's All-In-One Course for beginning adults. I will combine piano playing and music theory in my teaching. During the lessons, I start with scales, technical exercise, and then solo repertoire. For weekly assignment, I might give my students 1-2 solo repertoire, scales, and technical exercise depends on there level. Also, I often adjust my teaching methods to students' needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I think the student should begin by playing the exercise or piece very slowly with the metronome(a time keeping device). If they have to they can practice the right and left hand fingerings separately. They should start with the metronome at the slowest speed. When they feel like they can play with the right and left hands together they should gradually speed up the metronome. It may help to "prepare" each fingering before striking the string with the metronome at a manageable speed. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I believe learning an instrument is a very personalized process, and tailor the materials I use to the skill level and personal goals of each student. For brand new beginners, I typically start with the first Suzuki Flute book, Trevor Wye Beginning book for the Flute, and depending on the individual may begin with some of my own exercises that I write out for the student. For more intermediate to advanced students, I typically like to work out of the Selected Studies and Advanced Rubank books, as some of the more commonly asked audition excerpts for County/State Band typically come from these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It's most rewarding when my student's display those "ah ha!" moments during lessons. It shows me that they not only understand the material, but that they care about what it is they are learning by striving to improve. I also believe it's important for them to feel that what they are participating in is a worthwhile activity that is not only fun but rewarding to explore. Also making sure they recognize the importance of practice by pointing out how their improvements are the result of their hard work. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I am passionate about teaching and perfoming music. I have been playing the clarinet for over 14 years, saxophone for 6 and all others for 4 years. During my time in college, I participated in numerous ensmbles that allowed me to play all of the insturments I teach. I want to help my students get as much joy and appreciation of music that I do. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I find that the most important part of studying an instrument is that the student gains an appreciation of music. Therefore, I make it an important part of my lessons to work on at least one thing that student is particularly interested in. I find that praising students often even when they make small gains is good encouragement and serves to further encourage them to play well and enjoy what they play. Read More