Piano Lessons in Smithsburg, DC

Instruments: Piano

I have started students with John Thompson's piano series and Alfred's basic piano series. I have found using the best of each music series has been beneficial. The introduction to theory and different genre of music helps to keep students interested. So just one basic piano book may not be enough. Adults and youth with a little experience, I have used a the Piano lessons series. This series of books allow students who are self starters to progress faster. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Every student is different, and every student has a different level of ability, interests, etc. I find it's important to be mindful of what each student needs at any given moment in their musical journey. Part of this involves asking vital questions and assessing each student's innate musicality before proceeding with materials. Some kids are very precocious are best suited for materials intended for adult beginners. Sometimes students who are seniors feel very fulfilled by learning fundamental skills with simplified showtune melodies. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use variety of books, like from classical to Jazz. Here are books I usually use for my students. For beginners - Teaching little fingers to play, Bastien piano basics level 1&2, Favorite classical melodies 1&2, Alfred piano library 1&2, Just Imagine! For late intermediate & intermediate - Accent on Gillock 2,3,4, Jazz, Rag & Blues 1,2,3,4,5, Burgmuller 24 studies, Sonatina Album, Gurlitt selected works, Gurlitt Album for the young, ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music UK) exam pieces, Chopin Waltz, Chopin Mazurka, Hanon, Bach Invention, Tchaikovsky Seasons, Bastien piano literature series, and etc. 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More