Music Lessons in Westhaven, VA

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching private lessons about two and a half years ago, in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. I had students there that ranged in age from five to fifty, and it was such a joy to watch them grow! I am comfortable teaching students of all levels and ages, no one is ever too young or too old to learn an instrument in my opinion. It is very important to me to have parents involved in the learning process, whether that be through observation of lessons or helping out with practice throughout the week. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I started out playing cornet in elementary school, switching to Baritone horn in middle school and switching to tuba in the high school band. I also began playing bass guitar in those high school days in the late '60s and early '70s. Playing in rock bands, I decided to Study music at Norfolk State and Old Dominion University, after high school, wanting to learning more about music. I began playing professionally with the Norfolk Symphony, played in the pit band for touring Broadway shows, and subsequently hit the road as a touring musician with popular regional dance bands. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students I usually encourage a method book such as Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method or a Fingerstyle method book. At the same time I introduce basic chords and try to introduce songs as early as possible to show the practicality of all that is being learned. For intermediate students I ask what would like to be learned and what techniques they would like to see themselves doing in the near future. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing saxophone for almost 30 years. I started in the 5th grade and instantly fell in love with the sax. In the seventh grade, I found a new love, the violin. After only a year of playing, I obtained the status of concert master. I continued both through high school and in the ninth grade I added the bassoon to my list of insturments. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006, majoring in both the saxophone and bassoon. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My main goal right off the bat for my students is to get them playing from the very first lesson, starting with basic chords, and even have them practice a simple riff or lick from a song that they might recognize. In my philosophy, because this is how I was taught, it is important to keep the student interested, having fun, while still learning the things that they may consider "boring." I do this by implementing songs that they may know, or songs that they want to learn, and use that to teach what chords the song is using, what scales it might be using, and from that, have them practice the song and chord or scale accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

With all of my students I am kind, patient, gentle, humorous, encouraging, and positive with my feedback. Students regularly give feedback on the music they are making, as well as any new ways they think I might be helpful to them. I use Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory to help inform me of the students learning style. My goal is to nurture each students musical process. I support whatever pace students choose to employ, and tailor my instruction to their needs and wants. Read More