Piano Lessons in Elkridge, MD

Instruments: Piano

Seeing student success is a very rewarding experience. The process is the best part. Showing students how to advance their skills is something I have always enjoyed since I began teaching. I inform students about the historical elements of piano, how to compose, how to listen to music and how to perform. It is more than just performing simple pieces, it's an understanding of what the composer did to create such music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dated back to my graduate-school days, when I began teaching private lessons to college-age students more than 20 years ago. I have been teaching since then to students from 3-year-old beginners to 75-year-old retirees. I founded my home studio, Joyful Keys Studio, in Gaithersburg, 13 years ago, and have been teaching consistently and passionately. Encouraging students to practice regularly and guiding students to find their musical inclinations and particular musical voices are my main teaching fortes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano

While in his Master Combo Class, a sax player in the group happened to mention that the big band he played in had an opening for piano player. And so, in 2007, I officially joined the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble, a seat I held until 2011. Since then, I have also been fortunate to play in restaurants and hotels in the Baltimore area. All these experiences I feel have aided me in say way, shape, or form. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

People are learning piano happily is my biggest wish. I an not willing to make piano learning to be as a pressure for my students. Therefore, I always find the best way to deal with the difficult part of the piece and make it interesting. I like assign homework in different styles: writing, playing, singing, clapping, etc. I always find new ways to make piano playing amusing especially when I introduce new concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

My materials and methods differ depending on the pupil's age/ability. For a young 11 year old beginner, homework assignments will begin with the instrument itself, and then eventually Book One of any method book desired. Popular practice dictates good results with books like Yamaha and Standard of Excellence. For middle-level ability (middle school / early high school), the Rubank series is perfect. Finally, with middle and above levels; solos, ensemble work, duets, and additional etude books will be used. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Learning to play an instrument is an endeavor that does not always yield immediate results. I like to encourage my students to look back on all they have accomplished and to set goals so that they are motivated to keep moving forward. Positive reinforcement and figuring out what gets the student excited are keys to their success. It can be a particular song, activity, or even just a set routine that can make a student really open up and be willing to learn all that they can get their hands on. Read More