Piano Lessons in Community, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For beginning students I try to start with the essentials. It is important for young children to become familiar with the instrument, the proper way to hold an instrument. The proper way to sit when playing or stand while singing. Fundamentals at the earliest ages are essential. Practicing the fundamentals leads to success which leads to a desire to learn more about the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I work with children, however, I focus primarily on ear training and music theory, knowing that those skills will help them out so much more as adult musicians than prematurely trying to learn advanced techniques. In voices lessons with children, I limit my technique-talk to breathing and vowels. (Of course, for those kids who have no concept of what their head voice is, we work on that, too.)Other than that, we focus heavily on solfge, learning to read music, developing a sense of rhythm and internal pulse, and other musicianship skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

Currently he not only spends a good deal of time practicing and writing but also learning modern styles of music making such as Logic Pro and Ableton. As a writer, arranger, and performer Mike has recorded and written for 10 albums and played as a freelancer on countless more. His studies have exposed him to Classical music, World music, Jazz, Contemporary styles, Pop, Rock, Bluegrass, Americana, Funk, RB, and Hip Hop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I recommend Alfred, John Thompson, or Piano Adventures books. (If you already have books that you have used on your own r with aother teacher, I am happy to use those as well!) Additionally, I will choose a recital piece applicable to their level that the student will work on for a few weeks/ months at a time to be performed at their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 15 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my in my studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for their instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn as well as sing . Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been involved with music for as long as I can remember. My first love was singing, and I still enjoy singing today. My first instrument was the accordion, after which I moved on to piano and keyboards. I remember my piano teacher, Mr Scholl, was a neighbor and he would come to my house for lessons. I had no idea that years later as an adult I would be "paying it forward". Read More