Music Lessons in Valrico, FL

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginner students, I start with Hal Leonard's "Essential Elements for Strings" Book 1. This book is not only great for learning the fundamentals of the instrument (such as the names of the parts of the instrument, how to hold the instrument, etc.) but it also the best book I have found to teach beginning students how to read music on the violin and viola. For more advanced students, I like to stick with a formula of three things: scales (two-three octaves), an etude (a piece used to focus on a specific technique), and solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Acoustic Guitar

My methods are based on what I have personally tried and proven to be beneficial. The three main methods I find to be extremely important are the Arban book, and the Clarke technical and characteristic studies. In addition, I've found equally important the Earl Irons long tone and flexibility exercises. I like to find out what the student is most interested in a tailor the practice regiment accordingly. Once we start to master the basics, we can move on to specific musical styles that the student wishes to pursue. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My teaching experience started with Olivet Boys and Girls club in college. There, I started teaching a choral group, glee club, private piano lessons, and group piano lessons. I did this for roughly ~5 years. I also taught lessons prior to this to beginner students throughout high school. I took private lessons from the age of 7 years old for about 13 years, and continue to practice and play daily (it's important to keep challenging yourself). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In the 1980s, I played electric guitar (classic rock) in a band called Purple Mountains, playing cover songs of the Rolling Stones (including their open tunings for the guitar). I also l played Bluegrass mandolin, fiddle and guitar on stage, since the 1980s, and continue to now, at Boba's Internet Café and PJ Dolan's Irish Pub/Grille, both in Tampa. Earlier on, I graduated with a BA from the City University of New York, where I took some music courses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

Lessons are usually pretty casual. I like to use a book so that we always have a clear path. Students can request that their lessons be more vigorous (say if you're auditioning for a part or instrument for some activity) but otherwise, I tend to keep things more laid back. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For violin, viola, cello and bass, I teach the Suzuki method. The Suzuki method is based strongly on memory and takes a systematic approach to introducing music of increasing difficulty. For classical guitar, I start off with the Frederick Noad system, "Solo Guitar Playing", and scales. As skill level increases, I assign more etudes and standard guitar repertoire. For acoustic guitar, I teach almost exclusively finger-picking. I teach the same high standard skills for acoustic guitar that I teach for classical, but concentrate on masterpieces of the repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I then taught in home private lessons until the spring of 2003 where I went to work for Studio Music in Damascus, Maryland as a guitar and bass teacher until they went out of business in 2010. I then became an independent techer with in home lessons until the spring of 2017 I took a job as a guitar instructor at Victor Litz Music in Gaithersburg Maryland until I moved to the state of Florida where I now permanently reside. Read More