Piano Lessons in Pisgah, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods and approach to teaching a student all depend on the student (or group of students). I like to find out what attracts my students to music, and more specifically, why they want to learn to play piano. By investigating the motives of my students, I can better tailor a lesson that delivers both what they want to learn and what they need to learn. Once the goals are known, we begin to build a foundation of technical and creative exercises to increase skill and comprehension within the realm of playing piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

I am very easy to work with and incorporate FUN into my lessons. My primary goal is to see my students enjoying music and liking what they are doing. This will get them to work more towards their goals as they grow through adolescence and into high school and college. Since each student is different I try to focus on reading their reactions to the material in order to to determine what they are understanding and what they are not. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

At a first lesson I try to find out what these needs snd wants are snd discuss the various ways of obtaining these goals. If their goals are not reasonable I will discuss this but I will never destroy their hopes. I once had a six year old student who after one lesson wanted her daughter to compete in this world competition. I thought to myself she couldnt never as l after one lesson and the deadline for the competition was in three months, but I did let her know with time and practice such a goal could be possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I love watching my students develop a passion for music! I encourage students to practice regularly and to persevere toward specific goals. It is my philosophy that taking lessons alone will not develop the musicians skills, but through consistent practice, perseverance, and patience, a student will be able to see real progress and eventually achieve their goals. No dream is achieved overnight! Some of my favorite moments during my four years of teaching thus far have been seeing my students achieve their goals, whether they are landing the lead role in a musical, being accepted into the top choir at their school, receiving high marks at contests, or something as simple as performing in their first recital, having a break-through moment with a new technique during lessons, or memorizing their first foreign-language piece. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience began during college, roughly four years ago, while teaching several private students during a summer break. While studying music in college, I received training in topics such as keyboard pedagogy, keyboard literature, collaborative piano, improvisation, music theory, and musicianship (aural skills). I worked as a Music Theory/Musicianship Grader and Tutor for several years, and I assisted in some group piano classes. For the past three years, I have spent a lot of time working as a collaborative pianist for vocalists and instrumentalists, performing in juries, recitals, and other student evaluations. Read More

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

It is this experience, that gives Mike an edge and understanding of what it takes to not only succeed in an academic setting but also in a 'real world' situation. Studying under great teachers himself, has given Mike the tools to design lesson plans specific to the student and be attentive to each students needs. Being a teacher of close to 25 years of all ages, he understands what it takes to make lessons fun, engaging, and all around great musical experience's that keep his students motivated and excited to get better on their instrument. Read More