Piano Lessons in Olney, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I start elementary students with learning about the piano, its history and show them the internal parts. We learn finger numbers and our first songs are using those finger numbers to encourage the correct hand position and strengthen our fingers. I build rapport with the student and introduce pieces I feel they would enjoy playing . I use djembe drums to help keep the beat steady and improve listening skills. Each student is different so a "one size fits all" book is not used. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching piano 10 years ago while attending Texas Tech University. I have taught students ages 3 years old to 65 years young! Additionally, I have been teaching voice for 8 years. I have taught privately, taught at middle schools and high schools, and even was an adjunct professor at NYU from 2008-2010 while I was in graduate school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

For beginning students I generally use some of the Alfred piano series, selecting those I think are appropriate. No need to purchase every single book of every level. Some students want to get directly in chords, while others wish to learn sheet music. For students who want to become more proficient classically, I will usually use the John Thompson system, along with my own curriculum of theory and hand exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I began teaching when I was 3rd grade. My first student was kindergartner who was eager to learn piano but she could not afford to take lessons. She only paid me about 10cents per lesson but I found out teaching was enjoyable and rewarding. My next student was adult. I started having students with all ages. Although I am classically trained musician, I add modern music to help my students enjoy music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been hosting and playing singer/songwriter showcases for 10 years. I have in that time completed and released Three full length CD's of original Music. 2008 Brother Lou "As Good As You Want" 2011 Brother Lou "The Devil in Me", and 2013 "We The People" Read More