Music Lessons in Saratoga, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing saxophone for almost 30 years. I started in the 5th grade and instantly fell in love with the sax. In the seventh grade, I found a new love, the violin. After only a year of playing, I obtained the status of concert master. I continued both through high school and in the ninth grade I added the bassoon to my list of insturments. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006, majoring in both the saxophone and bassoon. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Hey! I'm Dee, your very own virtuoso of the ivories. I've been tinkering on pianos since before I could even talk, and I must say, it's quite the racket! But enough about my humble beginnings - let's focus on what really matters: the music, and the memories we create together. You see, playing the piano isn't just about pressing keys in a particular order; it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and transporting you to another world, even if only for a moment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My name is Phillip, and I'm a passionate musician with a love for teaching. I started playing guitar when I was in 6th grade of middle school, and started taking lessons, and grew with experience from there. I went to college to study business and music, while also still taking lessons by my favorite instructor, Gary Rhum from Rhum Academy of Music, which is also where my teaching began. I volunteered to help with the Academy with upkeep, as well as teaching and instructing children in guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methodologies for teaching will vary based on different factors such as age and level of musical knowledge. The number one thing I try and do for my students is make sure they have FUN and ENJOY the process of learning. I do like to use established books that focus on the fundamentals of music such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Books. Literature like that is very informative, but also a bit clinical at times, so I always like to find out what my students want to play and tailor lessons towards their specific goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

I began teaching trumpet privately 44 years ago. Over the years I have added voice, beginning piano, trombone, euphonium,and recorder to my studio. I encourage each student to practice several times a week for as long as they can. I find that some students like to practice in one sitting, whereas others prefer to practice for 10-15 minutes before taking a break and then returning. I convey to each student that working at your craft for 10,000 hours will make you an expert. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

One is listening analysis. I like to play music of different styles and have students listen to different parts of a song. I also like doing rhythmic dictation. This is where a student listens to a line I play and tried to write it out note for note. It enables them to learn how to physically write the notes and fully understand the value of each note. Another option is drum set. Read More