Music Lessons in Somerville, VA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion

I focus on the fundamentals.  When a student has a firm grasp on the fundamentals they can survive in any arena being a musician may place you in. Additionally I like to help my students discover their unique voice and how that uniqueness helps to add to a bands overall performance. Additionally, To me band is much more then just an extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity for me to touch the life of a child by allowing them to see the larger world through performances and trips. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a Teaching Certificate in K-12 Vocal Music. I also hold a Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland. Aside from my credentials, I possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching vocal and piano technique, embodied in an approachable, humorous and joyful presence. I specialize in teaching piano and music theory, giving my students a solid foundation in the language of music which can transfer to any instrument. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have been teaching since my undergrad years starting in 2001 as adjunct faculty at Walnut Ridge Elementary School until 2004. Since then I have taught privately at students homes part time. I believe that weekly lessons are the most beneficial for a students learning and productivity. I also believe that a combination of encouragement, praise, and level appropriate music, be it classical, method books, or popular music are imperative for success in learning music and enjoying it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love playing guitar and strive to share the passion with others. I have been performing since I began playing guitar 12 years ago. In 2012, I began my studies at Oberlin Conservatory music as a Jazz Guitar Performance major. I graduated in 2017, with a B.M. in Jazz Guitar Performance and a B.A. in Political Science. My experience has granted me the opportunity of performing many styles of music in a variety of ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My background in piano playing and composition development is synopsized on my website www.ivorytunes.com as follows: "Enlighten yourself to contemporary new piano music with a jazzy, movie theme flair that emboldens variety, flair and a fresh change to the choices in the current market. The Ivory Tunes website of Vint Hill, VA showcases original piano songs composed by Mike Ryon. His ambition is to add variety and pizzas to your current listening and playing repertoire as well as inspire developing performance musicians to venture down the path of original song composition through inward inspiration and creative enjoyment. Read More