Music Lessons in West Hyattsville, MD

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

My teacher owned a non profit in which she used to create performance opportunities for me as well as other gifted students of hers. In Spring 2017, a completed my double major in Music tech and Jazz studies at UMBC. I have performed and various places around the east coast, including blues alley, Silver Spring Jazz fest, Howard theatre, and the Kennedy center. My love for jazz theory and extrapolation of jazz theory into other genres has made me a multi facet musician with many dynamics. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I utilize every instruction manual possible as well as my own experience from 15 years of teaching in the classroom. I am able to differentiate for students with special needs that include developmental delay, accommodation, honors, and gifted. I specialize in classroom instruction as well as private lessons. Depending on student needs and wants, I tailor a specific learning plan to help students progress beyond current skill levels. I make every effort to give students experience in new genres and reinforce knowledge in familiar genres. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

At the end of the day, music is about making a statement.  With that said, I believe that the best results occur when the student is happy with their growth.  If a student is having fun, they are more likely to not only practice, but perform with conviction.  To achieve this, I do my best to make sure the student develops a musical environment that makes them the most comfortable. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginning students who are children, I usually like to start with either the Essential Elements books or the Rubank Elementary book. Once the student has learned the basics, they will be able to work on solos as well as focusing on developing technique, accurate rhythm and tone. For adults, I like to have an idea of their goals and what they are hoping to take out of their lessons. 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: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More