Piano Lessons in Helen, MD

Instruments: Piano Trombone

Piano: For beginning students who are children, I start by teaching out of the Faber Piano Adventure books. I find that they focus on the more exciting aspects of music, such as sight reading. This is different from the Bastion books which I think focus too much on more challenging (and boring) methods such as articulation. The Faber books are great because they have fun short songs that the student can play with the teacher in a duet. Read More

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

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. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My methods of teaching are primarily based on the individual. Within the first lesson, I make an assessment of the individuals musical abilities, and document the genres of music that interests the student. I then create a curriculum based on that assessment, which includes music theory, building repertoire (including music that interests the student), and music history/literature. I also encourage the student to engage in music competitions/auditions and student recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I've been teaching piano and voice in the Northern Virginia area for over fifteen years. I have worked at studios such as Jordan Kitts Music and Music and Arts, and have done in-home lessons at students homes, which I still do now. My students range from beginners to intermediate level players, and my approach combines popular music with classical, jazz and traditional styles. Of course, in the beginning they learn to play simple songs that they are familiar with like Frere Jacques, Old McDonald, Jingle Bells and so on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

Methods are tailored around the individual needs and goals of the student. Fundamentals in music theory are balanced with repertoire and lessons focus on developing practice skills that the student can use outside the lesson. The Suzuki method is ideal for beginning flute students, particularly young students. This approach allows students to become comfortable holding the instrument, producing a solid tone, and training the ear, before introducing notation. For beginning pianists, the Bastien series works well in terms of breaking down repertoire into manageable pieces and marking students' progress in early study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More