Music Lessons in Smithsburg, DC

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I have played and studied piano and drums for nearly 30 years and have been teaching for 20 years. I have performed with many different musicians and bands throughout my career. Specifically, I have taught and continue to teach in homes, studios, community based outreach organizations, as well as behavioral health facilities and other institutions. Engendering and instilling focus discipline and a fun loving attitude towards practice and performing is important to me as I utilize the many years of practice and performance to pass on the trade to the next generation of aspiring musicians. 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: Piano Voice

I see myself as a facilitator, helping students discover new elements of music and music theory and building upon those to create a greater understanding of reading and playing music both for piano and voice. Often i will model by playing a song first so that the student cannot not only hear what is sounds like but observe my technique, finger changes, dynamic ranges, tempo and so on. There are many elements to performing a piece besides just playing the correct notes! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching private lessons 9 yeras ago when some neighborhood friends encouraged me to share my love of music through teaching. Encouraging regular, consistent practice and keeping a journal of areas of focus during practice is one of the techniques I encourage for students of all ages to progress and grow in their enjoyment of the instrument. I love encouraging students to compose their own material, and to share their music in competitions and recitals, as a way to develop their passion for music and to stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Bass Guitar

Learning an instrument is supposed to be fun so all lessons are unique and tailored to the students interests. The hope is that all of my students will find that music adds an element to their lives like nothing else can. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

My experience in teaching starts from me being an instructor for the chamber ensemble back in college. I became an instructor when the director came to me and asked if I was interested in becoming a music instructor. I always encouraged my students to practice everyday. By practicing every day then student will notice that they are progressing. If a student isn't progressing then I'm not doing my job. I encourage my students to enter any competition or recitals. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In 2013, I graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with a focus in Choral/General Education. Throughout college I actively performed in various types of ensembles such as contemporary acapella groups and small chamber ensembles, including solo performances. Read More