Voice Lessons in Annandale, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I not only use books, but videos, lots of exercises to use when at home and formal presentations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I see myself as a facilitator, helping students discover new elements of music and music theory and building upon those to create a greater understanding of reading and playing music both for piano and voice. Often i will model by playing a song first so that the student cannot not only hear what is sounds like but observe my technique, finger changes, dynamic ranges, tempo and so on. There are many elements to performing a piece besides just playing the correct notes! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

There is no set method that works for each student. For young children that are just beginning, I like to start them with the Bastien Piano Basics or Piano Adventures series, but I will supplement these books with other material depending on the student's needs. I like to give beginner students little pieces that will help them understand the fundamentals of music in context so that they are still making music while they learn the basics - this keeps them from getting bored! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Also an avid performer herself, Adrienne has toured with the New York Harlem Productions company of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, appearing as the Strawberry Woman in important European venues including the Komische Oper Berlin. She has sung in Carnegie Hall and appears on the Grammy Award winning CD “Songs of Innocence and Experience.” Perhaps her most noteworthy performance was singing for President Obama at his second term Inaugural Prayer Service. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I am all about developing a passion for music and setting realistic musical goals for each lesson. I try to gently push my students in the right direction by finding out what kind of music really inspires them so I can tailor my instruction to their desires. However, if you're my student, I have high hopes and expectations for you! I know that with consistent practice, patience, and a gentle push in the right direction, we work together to learn any piece of music. 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: Guitar Voice Keyboard

I have been teaching students since the mid 1970's and have found a few key ingredients. First ... I need to be engaged as a representative of the craft ... excited about music and ... most importantly ... excited about the fact that the student is about to take on this new and / or continuing endeavor! If the student feels that you are genuinely there for them, a 'comfort zone' is created for the student ... now there is an environment in which much production can be achieved ... and the student will be able to thrive! Read More