Piano Lessons in Temple Hills, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

My approach seeks to breathe air under the wings of the students' interest and attention by making them a constant starting point, while also laying the groundwork of introspection for students to develop and apply their own practices of learning, exploration, and innovation going forward. My teaching methods focus on considering embodied experiences of music, as well as a range of philosophical considerations. Students will be encouraged to think about how feelings, subjectivities, sounds, and spaces interact in complex ways, along with a series of other metaphysical questions that I believe are essential to a holistic praxis of understanding and learning music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

They thoughtfully introduce students to authentic repertoire from the major historical periodsBaroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Centuryhelping them develop both musical and historical understanding. I believe learning about music history alongside performance is not only enriching but essential in shaping a well-rounded musician. For adult students, my approach is highly personalized. I take time to learn about their musical interests and goals, and tailor lessons accordinglywhether theyre complete beginners or returning pianists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

I see it as a great honor and serious responsibility to be able to teach music. Based on my own experience, the connection between the teacher and student is one of the most important factors in developing a student's passion for music, and encouraging them to progress. While my teaching approach varies with each individual, all students should feel supported and encouraged to be expressive players and thoughtful musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have taught dozens of piano and voice students of a wide array of ages and abilities all over the DMV for the past three years. Some of my favorite teaching moments have been to see my students achieve their goals, and I help students accomplish them by encouraging a regular practice schedule as well as to have patience. In college and graduate school, I took courses in vocal pedagogy, choral conducting, acting and stage direction in both the opera and musical theater departments, as well as music theory, history, ear training, and diction classes for French, German, Italian, and English. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

If the student is interested in jazz, I typically use Jim Snidero's "Jazz Conception" books as a great starting place to learn about interpreting jazz music as well as a basis for starting to talk about improvisation. Continuing from there, jazz students will start to learn jazz "standards" from the Great American Songbook and discussions of improvisation will go deeper. With all students, it is important to discover what they are interested in and encourage that interest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe

In addition to working with Musika, I also act as a classroom aide for after-school music programs for several schools in the DC Metro Area. I am often not the only teacher in the classroom, which means that I can give each student the attention that they deserve. In large group classes, it is easy for a child to feel left out, but I feel that it is important to give them as much individual attention as I can offer, especially when a student is excited about something that they have learned and are eager to show me what they can do. Read More