Piano Lessons in Carroll, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching piano over eight years ago. Throughout my four years at college I taught piano, voice, music theory, and led junior high choir. With each lesson I strive to encourage my students and keep them motivated to learn.My experiences have taught me that there is nothing more rewarding than sharing my love of music and helping others grow as musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I adjust my teaching based on each student's abilities to maintain a relaxed, fun, and engaging atmosphere.For younger students, I typically start with Music for Little Mozarts, which includes a variety of activities in addition to the exploration of music. For older or more intermediate students, I recommend Faber Faber's Piano Adventures, which incorporates not only interesting musical selections, but also introduces music theory and analysis. For advanced students, I prefer to piece together selected repertoires based on music relevant to their interests; this typically includes a selection of classical and contemporary compositions with some discussion of the pieces' context within a greater scope of music history and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I typically start woodwind students with the Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method series. I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for piano instruction. In addition to the method book, I like to incorporate physical/breathing exercises, supplemental warm-ups, sight-reading, music theory worksheets, and student selected repertoire in lessons. I also encourage students to create their own compositions. In the past, I have digitally recorded many of my students' compositions and have really enjoyed encouraging students to express themselves through original composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

In addition to teaching in the public schools, Mr. Jesse W. has been playing guitar and bass professionally in the local funk band Tha Funkahol-x, and has performed for audiences with George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars. In undergraduate school, he studied composition and arrangement with Ricky Ford, internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, at Brandeis, and performed in the Brandeis Jazz Ensemble under his direction. He Currently studies piano under world-renowned concert pianist Reynaldo Reyes at Towson University. Read More