Piano Lessons in Abingdon, MD

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

I grew up playing both piano and drums. In addition to my Piano Masters at Peabody, I minored in percussion and performed with the Peabody Percussion ensemble in Carnegie Hall. In the Air Force I played piano with the Washington State Air National Guard Jazz band for two years. I then transferred to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard where I played Tympani and other percussion for the Air Force Symphonic Band in Harrisburg. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I start elementary students with learning about the piano, its history and show them the internal parts. We learn finger numbers and our first songs are using those finger numbers to encourage the correct hand position and strengthen our fingers. I build rapport with the student and introduce pieces I feel they would enjoy playing . I use djembe drums to help keep the beat steady and improve listening skills. Each student is different so a "one size fits all" book is not used. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Recorder Oboe English Horn

My teaching method is tailored to each student depending on their level and what they want out of the lessons. I start out beginner students with a beginner method book depending on what instrument they are studying with me and progress to etudes, solo repertoire and even orchestral excerpts as they advance. We work together to find fun ways to practice and understand music performance in a variety of different styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

I have made sure to transfer all of these skills to my private teaching. I am very direct with my students and act as facilitator in lesson discussions, and to try not making decisions for them. I heavily employ the "trial by fire" and "sink or swim" methods, as I've found those the most effective in my lifetime of learning new things. However, I am flexible in going back and reteaching and remodeling, as long as we still keep our "eyes on the prize", whether that be personal rewards, scholastic musical awards, musical career advancement, music therapy approach/feelings, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching for about 10 years, both privately and in schools. When I was at Indiana University, I tutored fellow music students who wanted to study piano, and I also began teaching privately. Since then, I have adjunct faculty at Seton Hall University, and I have taught privately. My students have ranged in age from 5 through adult, and I've taught all levels of experience. I've prepped students for auditions, entrance to music schools, college-level, and I've taught complete beginners. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I believe that every teacher says this, but I teach at my students learning pace. Especially for beginners I want them to learn how to play their instrument the first time around, not the second or third time. For me as a teacher I set high expectations for my students so they know exactly what they should strive for. I always give positive feedback and then some strategies to help them along their musical way. Read More