Music Lessons in South, VA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am an extremely experienced musician with over 30 years of musical training! I hold a Master of Music Education from West Virginia University as well as a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I have taught music in public schools for approximately 10 years. Additionally, I am certified in teaching PK-12 Music in various states. I am also a member of NAfME: National Association for Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Weekly lessons with me are structured around achieving attainable short-term goals. Daily practice sessions are encouraged, but thoughtful, intermittent practice sessions far outweigh the necessity of sitting behind the kit every day. I strive to make the atmosphere of the lesson relaxed and fun; I'm patient and accommodating for different styles of learners. Although I'm fond of several famous publications such as Stick Control and The Art of Bop, I don't rely on text as the only way to deliver a musical message. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

The most important and rewarding thing for me to see is a student's passion for music encouraged. While trumpet technique and routine will be heavily emphasized for all students, it is important to realize what the student is most interested and excited about learning about. I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers throughout my life who saw my passion in particular areas of music and encouraged it. I would most likely not be a musician if that was not the case, and so I look to push my students towards their passions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is casual, friendly and positive. Eveyone progresses at a different pace, so I set realistic goals and use different approaches based on the various learning styles -- visual, tactile and auditory -- that work best for each individual. I play along with you in unison, in accompaniment and in duets, starting with the very beginning lessons. I want even the simple things to sound good when you play them because that is what motivates you to keep learning more and more. 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: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I customize the curriculum and repertory for each of my students based on their personal goals, which we will discuss in the first lessons. Do you want to play for yourself or to perform publicly? What kinds of repertory appeal to you and how much time do you have to practice? From there we will create a plan that best meets these goals. For beginners, this will include a method book (I often use Faber Piano Adventures for young beginners and Alfred Adult-In-One methods) to get you started. Read More