Music Lessons in Whaleyville, VA

Instruments: Guitar

When I was 8-years-old my father gave me his old guitar. From then on I spent most of my free time playing and learning music. I enrolled in structured lessons when I was 12 until I went to Berklee College of Music for a year's time. Afterwards I decided that I wanted to dedicate my spare time to music and not make a professional career out of it. I have taught lessons since I was 15 and enjoy sharing what I know and watching the joy that music brings to its students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The first opportunity I had to teach someone trumpet was during my junior year of high school. There was a freshman saxophone player who decided to switch to trumpet, so my band director had me teach her. Ever since then, I have been studying different pedagogical techniques for both trumpet and music in general. My belief is that, in order for a student to have the most success, they must set a goal for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Piccolo Mallet Percussion

For my own beginner students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience began at age eighteen, in 1997, when I started teaching private lessons part time until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I've taught at piano retail establishments, in home and currently I'm teaching in my own studio. I'm a recording artist, singer and composer. I've performed at weddings, graduations, multiple dinner dates and church functions. I am currently the Minister of Music at Sixth Street Baptist Church in Suffolk Va. where I am required to prepare vocal and music arrangements for morning services. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, the Faber Faber series or the Alfred series are recommended as a core repertoire. A Dozen A Day is recommended for daily warm-ups and I also provide the students with supplementary songs and books of their choice, such as Disney, pop, jazz and popular classical pieces transcribed for beginner piano. For adult students, I use the Faber Faber method book that provides an overall comprehensive and fast pace lesson style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I love seeing my students set and reach goals. I make sure that realistic goals are set and that I show the student the steps to reach those goals. If a student does not feel successful, then they are more likely to not practice as much or quit all together. I want my students to feel excited about music and want to practice. I try to find out what motivates and inspires each student in order to tailor my teaching to each individual. Read More