Music Lessons in Sully Station, VA

Instruments: Cello

From my experience, students vary greatly in musical background, personality, and needs, so I view each new student as a blank slate. My philosophy has always been to patiently build a solid foundation and not rush into advanced pieces at the risk of accumulating bad habits. At the same time, I recognize how important it is to keep learning fun, so I negotiate the balance accordingly. The material I use consists mainly of Suzuki and Rick Mooney's technique books, with other supplementary books and pieces depending on the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For the youngest students, I begin with Music for Little Mozarts or John Thompson method books and a lot of music related games. Flash cards assist with retention of musical terms and notes. I also provide worksheets to help reinforce what the students learn. Later I add exercises to help with rhythm and agility. Older students I begin with John Thompson method books or Bastien method books, theory books, and exercises. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The most important elements of my teaching style are patience and consistency. It takes time and a great deal of repetition to become a good musician, as my own experience attests to. I encourage my students to set goals that start small and gradually increase over time, and are consistent with their time commitment. I am very flexible, and can adapt to each student's particular needs with ease. My methods are best demonstrated in person though! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been playing professionally for the past 33 years in different musical situations from Jazz Festivals, Broadway Musicals, Session Recordings, as a Show band Musician on Ships etc...And have taught numerous students who have gone on to various fields of musical endeavor.I also released my debut cd in 2011 "The Long Road Taken" with my own group the RDP Project which is available in Itunes, CDBaby and 10 other digital distribution sites. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My venture R.E.M. (Relaxing Everyone thru Music) started as community service and blossomed into a sought-after entertainment service in the local area. From there, I received a scholarship from Hampton University. While in attendance, I was the principal cellist. I graduated from Hampton University with a BA Degree in Music Performance with honors. Upon graduation, I returned to the DC Metropolitan Area and has since joined the DC Strings Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Music enables levels of communication and understanding between human beings that we don't come close to in the rest of our society and interactions. From my love for chamber music and recognition of music and art as an integral vocabulary for expanding global dialogue, understanding, and peace, I look for performance, creation, recording, and collaboration in classical, tango, contemporary, world, popular, and interdisciplinary artistic projects. Some of my teachers have included Peter Howard, Jorja Fleezanis, Atar Arad, Tanya Carey, and Sally Gross (choreographer). Read More

Instruments: Voice

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them. Read More