Music Lessons in West Bethesda, MD

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a composer, pianist, guitarist, and singer. In 2016, I graduated from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition. Prior to this, I obtained a Master of Music degree from Peabody in 2007, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Arkansas in 2004. I have had performances of my music in Baltimore, New York, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Fayetteville, AR. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my high school time. I was the top student in theory class. So when my theory teacher is not able to come to the class, I helped with the class content. Therefore I value theory very much, I teach theory knowledge with piano skills together. I am a extremely patient person and I teach students depending on their own personalities. I am very communicative, I especially talk to parents and kids so I can know what why I should choose to teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I adjust my teaching based on each student's abilities to maintain a relaxed, fun, and engaging atmosphere.For younger students, I typically start with Music for Little Mozarts, which includes a variety of activities in addition to the exploration of music. For older or more intermediate students, I recommend Faber Faber's Piano Adventures, which incorporates not only interesting musical selections, but also introduces music theory and analysis. For advanced students, I prefer to piece together selected repertoires based on music relevant to their interests; this typically includes a selection of classical and contemporary compositions with some discussion of the pieces' context within a greater scope of music history and theory. 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: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I had an opportunity to start teaching early as a student leader in my high school music program and continuing into college. I've found that my students have a much higher level of success when they are encouraged to practice regularly at home. I use classical repertoire to build techniques across styles and modern music to keep students engaged. If they aren't enjoying themselves, I'm not doing something correctly. I encourage students to enter recitals and competitions as well as create their own original material. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

My teaching experience dates back to four years ago when I had completed my AA degree in Music and I had decided to volunteer teaching music to both my old secondary school (high school) and the Barbados Pathfinder Band recruit program which I was a Band member of. Those sessions involved teaching the basics of music theory, aural skills, the rudiments of their instruments and the practice of discipline in practicing and the maintenance of their instrument(s).Therefore I believe that I can combine those same methods plus the 'new' ones that I have enquired over the past two years to make our music sessions fun, motivational and educational.Thus causing you to look forward in enhancing your need for learning about your instrument and yourself, the musician. Read More