Music Lessons in Wheaton, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

I have a vibrant personality and I love teaching, especially when it comes to helping students grasp things where traditional teaching methods have proved to be intimidating or unaccommodating. I have performed in a variety of ensembles and have produced multiple volumes of my own compositions. My musical background is rooted in jazz, funk, soul, and latin music, and my teaching method will tend to emphasize "grooves," with a special eye toward harmony, syncopation, comping, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I find the process of exploring music and finding solutions together with my students to be intensely uplifting and meaningful, since, as mentioned earlier, each musical soul is unique. While I set clear standards of excellence, I am also patient with all levels and abilities. Indeed, teaching beginners (including adults) is a special passion of mine. A typical lesson will include warm-ups, scales, arpeggios and etudes, followed by detailed work on repertory pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Enjoyment of music and the cultivation of creativity and self discipline are the primary goals behind my teaching philosophy. No student is the same, and therefore all of my lesson plans are crafted to support the pace and learning style of each individual student. I do not believe in criticizing a student. A warm environment full of encouragement and productive critique with facilitate further enjoyment of music and growth as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who have never held an instrument or don't know anything about music we'll go over basic guitar fundamentals we'll talk about different types of guitars, how to hold the guitar in classical and folk style positions, how to press your fingers on the strings (because there is a way), body parts of the guitar, basic music concepts such as beat and rhythm, how to read music both standard and tabs, basic guitar exercises, and a few fun songs once the fundamentals have been practiced enough. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Flute

I am a fun to work with teacher who focuses on the student carefully. I listen well to get a better idea of how my teaching is being received. I graduated from Dematha high school in Hyattsville, MD. While there I won several awards and was a member of both band and chorus programs. I received my Bachelor's Degree from Morgan State University where I was a section leader and arranger for band for 4 years. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My teaching experience began while attending graduate school 30 years ago. I have been teaching consistently in my home studio and with the Liya Foundation Summer Music Camp for the past 6 years. At the Liya Summer Camp, I conduct private lessons, sectionals, and assist with orchestra rehearsals. I am a patient, fun loving violin instructor who believes in stretching a student's growth. I emphasize disciplined, consistent practice to improve skills but do not expect perfection. In my opinion, no one ever completely masters the violin. Read More