Piano Lessons in Unionville, MD

Instruments: Piano

I start all of my beginning students in John Thompson Book One as it provides a great base to build on. After that lessons become very personalized to the student's learning styles as well as their individual goals. Adult beginners I supplement with Faber. I aim to get all of my students playing "real" music very quickly without sacrificing solid technique and fundamentals. I tend to spend half of a lesson on drills and half working on songs. 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 Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style has been described as one that rewards hard work and dedication, but leaves room for experimentation and fun. I believe that each student has unique gifts to offer the world, and it is my job to uncover them through a combination of connecting to the individual as a person and allowing their personality and aptitude to shine. My goal is always to inspire my students to want to learn, instead of fostering an environment where they feel forced into it. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I usually start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. Then, I progress onto Dozen a Day, and finally Hanon and Czerny. For the advanced students, I start right from Hanon and Czerny, and go onto Burgmuller. If there is time, I will add on Rebikov for hand separation practice. Repertoire is often chosen based on the student's ability at the time. I will most likely start with repertoire from Easy Classics to Modern, and later add on repertoire that matches the student's style (such as jazz or R&B). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I work to foster a love of music and a desire to excel in each of my students. I want them to practice because they love it and want to succeed! I also feel that it is important to be a well rounded musician, so we will focus on theory, sight reading, composition, musicianship, performance-practice, and other important and fun aspects of music. I believe that it is important to be grounded in a classical foundation (for both piano and voice students), but I also make sure to bring in pieces of the student's favorite style- which I find helps motivate them to practice and enjoy lessons even more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I have taught for many years, I feel encouraged and motivated when I can pass along my love for music. Nothing is more inspiring to me than to see someone's face light up when they pick up their instrument and learn. I set tailored goals for my students to reach every week, so that they have specific targets to reach. Positive reinforcement is the key to keeping a motivated student, and I encourage them in anyway possible making myself available to them throughout the week even after the lesson is over.  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