Piano Lessons in Somerville, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I prefer Piano Adventurers for the series I use to teach piano at all levels. Their series is clear and has the proper scope and sequence to teach all ages. I supplement that technique book with a book for finger independence. Hanon virtuoso exercises and scale. As far as my singing method books, I use an Italian technique for singing. The book I use often time is Vaccai. Mainly I use my ears to determine what the student needs to focus on. Read More

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

Currently he not only spends a good deal of time practicing and writing but also learning modern styles of music making such as Logic Pro and Ableton. As a writer, arranger, and performer Mike has recorded and written for 10 albums and played as a freelancer on countless more. His studies have exposed him to Classical music, World music, Jazz, Contemporary styles, Pop, Rock, Bluegrass, Americana, Funk, RB, and Hip Hop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My ultimate goal is to instill a love of music in my students. Because of this, I aim to create a positive, encouraging environment that welcomes mistakes and fosters exploration. Since every person is unique, I work with each student at his or her own pace and try to match my teaching style to the student's learning style. I like to set individualized goals and reward students when they achieve those goals; this creates motivated students who are eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching private lessons 9 yeras ago when some neighborhood friends encouraged me to share my love of music through teaching. Encouraging regular, consistent practice and keeping a journal of areas of focus during practice is one of the techniques I encourage for students of all ages to progress and grow in their enjoyment of the instrument. I love encouraging students to compose their own material, and to share their music in competitions and recitals, as a way to develop their passion for music and to stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I hope to encourage you to trust me, but not depend on me. I'll equip you with a processwith a solid technique and an understanding of why it will help you, with a good idea of how to practice, with the tools to achieve proper diction and translation without always having to parrot my pronunciation, and of course with the ability to read music and learn new songs without my note-for-note supervision. Read More