Voice Lessons in Hancock, DC

Instruments: Voice Saxophone

Hello my name is Brent, I have studied music for over 40 years. Saxophone was my first instrument to learn, since then I have learned guitar, piano, bass, drums, and vocals. In middle school I played in concert band (second chair), in high school I played in concert band and jazz band (first chair), in college I played in jazz band (first chair). Also , I received the opportunity to be first chair in All-County and All-State jazz band. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

For young children (ages 4-10), I focus primarily on building a foundation in rhythm, pitch matching, and vocal warm ups (wolf howls, lip trills, tongue trills, etc.). I also encourage young children to bring in songs they enjoy singing, and use those songs to help build their understanding of musical structure. For slightly more experienced children (those who already can read music) I teach using the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) guidelines. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first time that we meet, I'll sit down with a new student and ask them about their musical experience and goals so that we can tailor the lessons to their individual needs and so that I can adjust my expectations accordingly. I am very flexible with my approach! During subsequent lessons, I will introduce the student to some basic concepts for their choice instrument(I teach piano, voice, or guitar), bel canto, Marchesi method(s), etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginners who are children, I typically use Faber and Faber's Piano Adventures. One of my biggest goals while teaching is to provide my students with a well-rounded music education. From my experience, the Piano Adventures series aligns well this goal while providing engaging, fun material for children. After completing a series of method books, I start to focus on classical repertoire. While I believe classical repertoire is the best way to build piano technique, musicianship, and musical knowledge, I love including other genres depending on the student's interest. 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: Voice

Learning to sing is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor and I approach my students individualistically. I assign my student vocal exercises and repertoire and provide clear and thorough instruction to keep lessons fun and engaging! I challenge my students to practice and perfect the assigned homework and songs so that we may keep improving every week.  Through the years, I have built a vocal technique from the ground up which has allowed me to teach and guide students in their own journey in singing. Read More