Piano Lessons in Clarksville, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice

My method varies greatly depending on the student. I don't use method books with voice students, since the voice is so personal. I don't believe there's any such thing as a "one size fits all" method--lessons should be designed to meet the needs of the individual. I know that most voice teachers wont teach kids younger than 12 or 13, and I also know that many parents are probably (rightly) suspicious of the teachers who do, for fear that theyll hurt kids' young voices. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music Keyboard

I discovered my love for music at an early age. Though I started in the children’s choir at church, I began playing the piano by ear at the age of 9. Formal training is due to Morgan State University, which I am scheduled to graduate December 2019. My favorite thing about music is the power it holds and the ability to share experiences and emotions. Teaching the arts is amazing to me because it allows an opportunity to empower another to creatively share their story. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Prior to studying at Peabody I toured professionally with various jazz ensembles, including competing for first place wins at the Reno (Nevada) Jazz festival for two years. At Peabody I studied with Fernando Laires and later, Robert Weirich where I excelled in contemporary music and difficult avant guarde performance ensembles. I was also a frequent guest performer for the Peabody Camerata Ensemble under director Gene Young. In the mid 90s I created the Bachelor of Music curriculum for the Maryland Bible College. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Students are taught basic reading,fingering technique, and rote memorization, but are also encouraged to learn to play by ear. 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. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I began teaching while in college. I taught band at an Elementary school for 5 Years. I also went on to become an adjunct professor at The University of the District of Columbia teaching "Jazz Trumpet" and "Beginning Jazz Piano". What I love about teaching is the moment when a student "gets it". I love to see that expression of amazement on their faces as they overcome some obstacle that may have been previously plaguing them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

While achievement is important to me, I believe that developing long-term skills is a far more significant. I prefer to emphasize skill-building and retention, and always want to make sure the student is enjoying the process. I prefer to set realistic short- and long-term goals for students at each lesson, and acknowledge their accomplishments with a system of rewards. Additionally, at the end of each year, I encourage my students' participation in a studio-wide voluntary recital, which is intended to showcase their growth and development over the course of the year as well as afford them an opportunity to perform in public. 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