Piano Lessons in Opal, VA

Instruments: Piano

I start all of my beginning students in John Thompson Book One as it provides a great base to build on. After that lessons become very personalized to the student's learning styles as well as their individual goals. Adult beginners I supplement with Faber. I aim to get all of my students playing "real" music very quickly without sacrificing solid technique and fundamentals. I tend to spend half of a lesson on drills and half working on songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I have taught music for over 20 years; it is a profession that I love passionately. My students include adult beginners, students ages 7-17, and intermediate and advanced students of all ages. I am drawn to the possibilities teaching presents to discover music together with another person. Each musical soul is unique and that means the teaching process if full of discoveries and wonder at every lesson. While many of my students take piano for personal enjoyment, I am also an experienced college teacher. Read More

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

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I use traditional method for the students who like to pursue classical music and I teach modern music for those who are not so interested in classical music. Even though I use Suzuki method for violin, I emphasize sight reading and theory. For Suzuki students, I encourage them to memorize whole book and perform before move onto next level. For the young students and beginners, I strongly recommend parents observe the lessons so that they can support and help students to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I feel that my job as a teacher is to facilite my students' indivual growth and development as they make their own way along their musical paths in life.  My happiness comes from watching my students gain more confidence after reaching goals that they set for themselves in our sessions.  It's important to me that everyone feels good about themselves which is why I started a 'Student Spotlight' newsletter to highlight accomplishments such as completing a book or performing with the school orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

Trombone: Practice, practice, practice! The trombone is an extremely unforgiving instrument and this is why the words practice need to be repeated many times every lesson. The student needs to understand that in order to get any enjoyment out of playing the trombone they need to practice regularly. Once the student has a regular practice schedule, then their sound will improve and they will enjoy playing. There can be almost no progress at all until the student finds regular practice time to work on their trombone exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My Teaching Methods For young beginners, I typically use the Alfred or Faber method books to build a strong foundation in note reading, rhythm, technique, and musical expression. As students gain confidence and a solid grasp of the fundamentals, I begin introducing solo repertoire suitable for their first recital performance. I particularly enjoy using the Keith Snell series across all levels, as these books feature original piano compositions rather than simplified arrangements. Read More