Music Lessons in Shorewood, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

With all of my students I am kind, patient, gentle, humorous, encouraging, and positive with my feedback. Students regularly give feedback on the music they are making, as well as any new ways they think I might be helpful to them. I use Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory to help inform me of the students learning style. My goal is to nurture each students musical process. I support whatever pace students choose to employ, and tailor my instruction to their needs and wants. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I take extreme care in making sure the student is first and foremost having fun. I make sure the student fully understands everything that is expected of them, and will instill a strong sense pride in my students success. I adapt to the students speed and believe genuine encouragement will get the best results out of them at all times. I also like to involve the family members in the lessons as well, sometimes with the student giving them a living room concert, or as I have been able to do in the past, a duet with the student parent. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Drums Recorder Music

I have always loved to teach. I began teaching in elementary school in 6th grade, where I would help in kindergarten classroom as a mentor program. In the 10th grade I would often visit my 9th grade science teacher and help her with her class. At 17 I taught a couple adults to read. I work for the Newport News Public Schools as a substitute teacher. As a parent I homeschooled one of my children. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The bulk of my teaching experience comes from my college days where I taught secondary piano lessons to college undergraduates and children. My teaching style and methods were solidified in my graduate studies at Indiana University where I was an Associate Instructor of Piano. During this time, I taught group piano classes to music and non-music majors, private piano lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, and worked as a counselor/practice coach for three summers at the prestigious piano summer festival Indiana University Piano Academy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary student to student- we all learn differently and my objective is to find what works, wether it be a quick demonstration, or a complete breakdown right to the fundamentals. No student is too slow nor incapable. One of the things I really keep my eye on is technique- nothing is more detrimental to a student's progress than poor technique and adaptation! I can quickly spot these future difficulties, and help the student develop the proper means and WHY -with encouragement and positive reinforcement! Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I started out playing cornet in elementary school, switching to Baritone horn in middle school and switching to tuba in the high school band. I also began playing bass guitar in those high school days in the late '60s and early '70s. Playing in rock bands, I decided to Study music at Norfolk State and Old Dominion University, after high school, wanting to learning more about music. I began playing professionally with the Norfolk Symphony, played in the pit band for touring Broadway shows, and subsequently hit the road as a touring musician with popular regional dance bands. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I love seeing my students set and reach goals. I make sure that realistic goals are set and that I show the student the steps to reach those goals. If a student does not feel successful, then they are more likely to not practice as much or quit all together. I want my students to feel excited about music and want to practice. I try to find out what motivates and inspires each student in order to tailor my teaching to each individual. Read More