Piano Lessons in Merrifield, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I am a pianist, collaborative pianist, piano teacher, and vocal coach with over 20 years experience working with conservatories, universities, opera companies and music festivals. As a performer I have played solo, symphonic and chamber music repertory in the US and Europe. As I teacher, I have been on the Evening Division Faculty of The Juilliard School for the past nine years, where I teach a course in the preparation of art song and opera. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I not only use books, but videos, lots of exercises to use when at home and formal presentations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My main goal is to create a positive, productive and enjoyable learning experience for my students. In my lessons, I am helping my students to learn not only the particular technique or element but some aspects of music history as well as composers' background and important facts about musical styles. Each semester I have a recital for my students where they can share their progress and excitement about the lessons and music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more enjoyable than seeing a music student climb the learning curve and self recognize and appreciate their progress other than, perhaps watching their passion grow over the long term as they successfully step into the performance phase and play a well practiced piece for their friends, family, peers, or others. Each student's lesson selection plan is always a collaborative agreement between the instructor and learner as well as the practice plan in terms of both frequency and repetition pattern. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teach style varies based on the need of the student. I have students that are serious so I would create a syllabus that consist of taking exams or perform in recitals. My other students who just want to have fun with piano, I teach them little pop songs. My method is based on what the student desire. I want my students to enjoy playing the piano. I want them to learn how to play so they can express themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style is fairly methodical, as I have found some tactics to be reliable across the board. However, I also enjoy the beauty of personalized attention that comes with music lessons. I make efforts to keep an open, honest dialogue with my students regardless of age so I can hear what works and what doesn't for them. It feels so good for a teacher and a student when they reach that lightbulb moment together. Read More