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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Gaithersburg . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar
I teach music at extracurricular programs in many elementary and pre schools across the Northern Virginia and Maryland area. I also teach piano and guitar in my home studio in Fairfax. I feel qualified to teach children, age 5-18, and to do so in a way that each child feels happy, special, and encouraged. I have gained many skills over the years and the most valuable skill I gained is how to make students love the instrument they play! Read More
Instruments: Piano Clarinet
It is very important that each student is comfortable with their playing ability and progression. I like to set realistic goals when it comes to performing and practicing. No matter the level and ability I always encourage that a student is excited and determined about their progress. It makes a big difference with the teacher and student. Creating that bond with the student is very beneficial. It is my duty to have students leaving inspired, confident and excited! Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet
For my young beginning piano students, I apply the Piano Adventures Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. For my older beginning piano students (13/14 and up), I apply the Alfred Adult Piano Method to ensure the material meets the student at his/her academic level. As for all woodwind students, I apply the Reubank Methody (Beginning, Intermediate, Advance), alongside Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for students currently in a school band. Once each student has reached a satisfactory level of performance, solo repertoire is then introduced. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I have taught dozens of piano and voice students of a wide array of ages and abilities all over the DMV for the past three years. Some of my favorite teaching moments have been to see my students achieve their goals, and I help students accomplish them by encouraging a regular practice schedule as well as to have patience. In college and graduate school, I took courses in vocal pedagogy, choral conducting, acting and stage direction in both the opera and musical theater departments, as well as music theory, history, ear training, and diction classes for French, German, Italian, and English. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
As a teacher, I am all about developing a passion for music and setting realistic musical goals for each lesson. I try to gently push my students in the right direction by finding out what kind of music really inspires them so I can tailor my instruction to their desires. However, if you're my student, I have high hopes and expectations for you! I know that with consistent practice, patience, and a gentle push in the right direction, we work together to learn any piece of music. 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 Cello
My first experience giving private lessons was at a summer music camp right before my senior year in high school. I have consistently taught piano and cello students for over 10 years independently and as an affiliate of local music stores. My goal as a teacher is for each of my students to make gradual progress each week as they become more proficient with their exercises and music. I hold at least 2 recitals a year which I strongly encourage everyone to take part in. Read More
Instruments: Voice
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
1) Repetition, repetition, repetition. Break apart the piece into its individual components (rhythm, notes, words) and only start assembling it when each element is solidly and independently learned. Can you self-conduct the rhythms? Can you speak the rhythms on words? It's easier for the brain to process simpler tasks, and approaching the music from many different directions helps memory. 2) Distributed practicing. Practice for 15 minutes here and there throughout each day, with the intent of accomplishing a specific task or goal. If you have this kind of focus, it's easier to actually get things done, and you won't get bored and tired cramming music for 4 or 5 hours, once a week, which is horrible for memory and technique.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
A child can start learning about the voice at anytime, however it takes the vocal folds a while to mature. To avoid serious injury or longterm vocal health issues, it's best to wait to begin formal lessons until the student is 13 or older. Sometimes, if the student is younger than 14, people recommend learning the basics of music and performance through another instrument, like the saxophone or piano. This helps the child become a good musician before their voice is ready to take voice lessons in the studio. If the passion is there in high school, there's no reason they shouldn't pursue lessons.
When will I start to see results?
Lessons develop voices, but they also develop confidence, musicianship, and responsibility in the student. Results are determined by the effort expressed in lessons and when practicing at home. Students obtain new ways to use and think about their voice during the first lesson, and results could theoretically begin to manifest from this first hour or half hour in the studio. However, real and longterm change takes time, and every learns at different paces. There shouldn't be pressure to be perfect right away--there's a lot to learn!
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
The methods of my lessons are lightly adapted from the teachings of my own instructor and mentor, W. Stephen Smith. He has had tremendous success with his students, who have gone onto garner some of the biggest professional careers in opera and musical theater today. He developed several "inventions" that work to disentangle the vocal apparatus and, in doing so, help to free the voice and musical expression behind it. His methods are universal, easily adjustable for each student, proven to work, and fun.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have always had a passion for writing, and if I didn't choose to be a musician, I may have studied to become and author of fiction. Even now, it's a hobby of mine to read and write. This is an asset in the studio and practice room, because singing is a language art. The biggest difference between the voice and any other instrument is, of course, the ability to use words. An easy and clear delivery of text is a goal of mine every time I sing, because, without words, I might as well be playing any other instrument! I indulge in the luxury.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Gaithersburg to students of all ages and abilities.
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