Music Lessons in Saint Charles, MD

Instruments: Guitar

I utilize every instruction manual possible as well as my own experience from 15 years of teaching in the classroom. I am able to differentiate for students with special needs that include developmental delay, accommodation, honors, and gifted. I specialize in classroom instruction as well as private lessons. Depending on student needs and wants, I tailor a specific learning plan to help students progress beyond current skill levels. I make every effort to give students experience in new genres and reinforce knowledge in familiar genres. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

For beginner students use the Hal Leonard Essential Elements 2000 method books. These books offer a very detailed and easy fundamental based method to start beginners off on the right foot. These books also utilize simple and recognizable melodies to aid in the student’s learning. For adults, I like to use the Rubank Methods, starting with the Rubank Elementary Method. These books provide a very strong focus in fundamentals for those who are slightly more advanced. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

For beginning students I like to start with the same book I learned; Essential elements by Hal Leonard. This book comes with a play along that serves as stimuli to the young ear. A compliment and more flute oriented book is Flute 101-103 Which ranges from beginners to medium-advanced students. During this period I will add repertoire appropriate to the level of the student and according to national standards like NISMA and All State. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

Classes for beginners will focus on tone quality, articulation, rhythm, reading music, and playing in time. Students will learn breathing and fingering techniques as well as structured routines for practicing at home. Intermediate players will begin by mastering the 12 major scales and arpeggios in straight and swing patterns. Basic 12-bar blues structure will be introduced and students will learn to improvise using the blues and pentatonic scales. Students will begin to develop an appreciation for different styles of jazz through listening and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I use the same books and methods that were taught to me. Trevor Wye's books on Tone and Technique form the foundation of learning the flute. A Rhythm A Day is exactly what it says - a different rhythm to practice that the student may encounter in music they play later. I also use daily breathing exercises to work on breath control - the most important part of playing the flute! Read More