Music Lessons in Taneytown, MD

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am comfortable teaching out of various method books. I have primarily used Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, as well as Alfred's Sound Innovations for Strings. I have also used All for Strings and Artistry in Strings. If a student has a method book already, then I will work with them out of that book. If not, then I like to start with my own supplemental activities (flash cards, worksheets, playing by rote, etc) and build up to using a book. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have found that for musicians at all levels, especially beginners, exploration is key. Learning an instrument is like building a relationship with that instrument and discovering what sounds you can create together. I use this guided discovery as a tool for discussing technique and musical ideas. Once enough fundamentals are grasped, I introduce repertoire which will lead to a recital performance. I always keep in mind the specific interests of the student and work towards meeting their individual goals. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

I have had the pleasure of teaching music and private lessons to elementary and primary aged children for 10 years. I have also worked with high school and middle school band students in preparation for festivals and other countywide auditions as well as college auditions. More specifically, I have been teaching in-home private bassoon and clarinet lessons in the Washington metro area for four years. Working one-on-one with students of all ages affords me the opportunity to get to know my students and to become even more invested in their success. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Once students master these basics through the classes and the occasional take home studies, we will then work on rudiments around the whole drum set to develop freeform soloing, before moving on to Jazz and Latin beats. I ask my students to work on rudiments at home comfortably between TV commercials, and to work on the notation, reading and groove lessons for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for low stress progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I work with children, however, I focus primarily on ear training and music theory, knowing that those skills will help them out so much more as adult musicians than prematurely trying to learn advanced techniques. In voices lessons with children, I limit my technique-talk to breathing and vowels. (Of course, for those kids who have no concept of what their head voice is, we work on that, too.)Other than that, we focus heavily on solfge, learning to read music, developing a sense of rhythm and internal pulse, and other musicianship skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing how your student progress,develop a passion and knowledge for music . I like to set realistic goals for each individual student who can progress at his or her own pace.It is very important for them to master basic knowledge of theory,technique, and sight reading in music. I like them to have a deceiplene in music; practice regularly, steady attendance.ask questions immediately when something is not clear, pay attention to fingering, count out loud to get the rhythm right. Read More