Piano Lessons in Mount Airy, MD

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style, above all, is to create a space for each individual student where they feel safe. I want my students to be able to express their frustrations, or express what they need me to change in my teaching style, or be able to experiment and have fun! In that vein, my studio is also a safe place for ALL, including those who identify as LGBTQIA, people who are disabled, or those of any faith or immigrant status. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Observing and listening to a variety of different artist and styles of music pertaining to your respective instrument; helps you gain a great deal of insight of how the playing of your instrument can possibly look, as well as how the playing your instrument can possibly sound. Routine practice and the application of knowledge, as it pertains to proper posture, breathing techniques, embouchure formation, handling positions, and expression, helps you perform from your core and the depths of your soul. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

That causes both sides of the brain to learn together. I do not rely heavily on exercises or drills, but prefer to find pieces that will musically teach the needed techniques. That being said, I do occasionally use portions of training etudes by Czerny, Isidor Philipp, and others as needed. However, I believe that technically problems and needs almost always have musical answers. Again, for percussion, I also focus on slow training, stick control, and rhythmic exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always ask students, both young and old, if they have goals they would like to work towards in lessons, and I then tailor lessons to help students achieve their goals. I listen to a students interests as well, and incorporate more into the lessons that will motivate and keep lessons fun, whether that is adding in time for composition/songwriting, learning how to play pop chords on the piano, or mixing in Disney/appropriate pop songs as well as classical and musical theater selections! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I want to carry on my passion for music onto other students. I often try to acknowledge how well a student is doing whether they are pacing fast or slow. No matter where and how a student gets stuck, I always will try to work out difficulties and obstacles by working closely alongside them and encouraging them. I also have a system for students where they will earn a star if they reach a certain goal, so that they will feel like the accomplished musicians they will become. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More