Voice Lessons in Fairplay, DC

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

I graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a Teaching Certificate in K-12 Vocal Music. I also hold a Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland. Aside from my credentials, I possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching vocal and piano technique, embodied in an approachable, humorous and joyful presence. I specialize in teaching piano and music theory, giving my students a solid foundation in the language of music which can transfer to any instrument. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a performer, I have sung in many opera houses and theatres across the country as well as in Germany and Italy. My voice has been described as “ebullient” in roles such as Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Dr. Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, Méphistophélès in Faust, Caspar in Der Freischütz, and Sam in Trouble in Tahiti. His other concert works include Baritone Soloist in Brahms' Requiem, Elijah in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bass Soloist in Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and Handel’s Messiah. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

For beginner that are children ... I use "Excellence in Theory" by Ryan Nowlin Bruce Pearson ... to cover music theory and ear training. After completion of this work I move the student to Bela Bartok's MikroCosmos Volume 1 or other available method books. I also come up with materials of my own from time to time ... each student is different ... so I take the approach of learning the student as I work with them ... with the idea that I will tailor the education to work best for the student! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginner piano students, I keep the number of books to a minimum so lessons dont become too overwhelming, and in order to help them stay organized. I often recommend the first Alfred All-inOne book, plus a Just the Facts music theory book which students love because there are fun games and activities at the end of each lesson. Once the student has learned enough fundamentals, I will recommend other books and provide supplemental material. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Typically, we dedicate half the time to warm ups and tailored vocal exercises for technique development. In the latter half of the lesson, we apply these principles into song repertoire that can consist of assigned repertoire appropriate for your vocal growth and/or songs you are interested in singing.  Sammy delivers immediate results for his students and their individual vocal goals. His mission is to work with students of all levels to provide an unmatched vocal technique and solve their vocal issues. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I dont hesitate to give my students as much help as they need, but as you grow more advanced and experienced, I become increasingly focused on helping you understand how much you can accomplish in your at-home practice sessions without me. This increases the rate of your progress and ensures that you will not be helpless if you need to stop taking lessons at some point. Singing is great fun, but at times it can seem like hard, frustrating work. Read More