Piano Lessons in The Plains, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

For young, beginning students, I use the Standard of Excellence series of 3 books. Once a student has progressed through these books, I will normally progress to the book "Forty Progressive Etudes for Trumpet" as they get to an intermediate level and can handle starting to tackle longer and more difficult pieces. After this comes the Arbans book and other technical trumpet books such as Schlossberg and the H.L. Clarke studies books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I began teaching while in college. I taught band at an Elementary school for 5 Years. I also went on to become an adjunct professor at The University of the District of Columbia teaching "Jazz Trumpet" and "Beginning Jazz Piano". What I love about teaching is the moment when a student "gets it". I love to see that expression of amazement on their faces as they overcome some obstacle that may have been previously plaguing them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I recommend Alfred, John Thompson, or Piano Adventures books. (If you already have books that you have used on your own r with aother teacher, I am happy to use those as well!) Additionally, I will choose a recital piece applicable to their level that the student will work on for a few weeks/ months at a time to be performed at their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

If a teenager would like to learn how to play pop chords, I start them with an appropriate book. If an adult wants to learn pieces to sing in church, I will offer my skills as a classical singer and professional church choir section leader to teach them how to sing beautiful melodies and passionate contemporary songs. For all my students, I am always on the lookout for new method books and resources that will aid their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For my vocal students, I start with vocal exercises every lesson and allow them learn to vocal techniques through different vocal exercises. Then I work with my students on the repertoire that they are interested in or repertoire that can help them practice their weak spots. For my piano students, I use many different series (Alfred's, Faber, or some classic repertoire) depending on their level and age. For all students, I will also include music theory when I teach because the students will have a stronger foundation with all of these components, which will enable them to learn better, faster and even by their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Learning to play an instrument is an endeavor that does not always yield immediate results. I like to encourage my students to look back on all they have accomplished and to set goals so that they are motivated to keep moving forward. Positive reinforcement and figuring out what gets the student excited are keys to their success. It can be a particular song, activity, or even just a set routine that can make a student really open up and be willing to learn all that they can get their hands on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I have been teaching since 1984 and now I teach from my home studio. I am not trying to make my students the best in the world but I want them to love music. My students have accomplished many goals. They have all had the chance to perform in recitals. Some have won scholarships to private schools and colleges, gotten to perform at Disney World to record music for a movie soundtrack and have won top music awards from their high school graduations. Read More