Voice Lessons in Lignum, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

I am very easy to work with and incorporate FUN into my lessons. My primary goal is to see my students enjoying music and liking what they are doing. This will get them to work more towards their goals as they grow through adolescence and into high school and college. Since each student is different I try to focus on reading their reactions to the material in order to to determine what they are understanding and what they are not. 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: Guitar Voice Keyboard

My formal education in music started in high school ... later ... I won a scholarship to attend Cornell University (1973) where I was admitted to the music department where I studied keyboards, operatic voice, music theory, arranging, orchestral scoring and conducting. While receiving Classical training at the university, I also lead a 12-piece band ... performing jazz and rb around upstate New York and surrounding areas. After college I arrived in the DC metropolitan area where I have performed on many stages ... both with an accompaniment band and solo ... opening up for artists such as Steve Oliver, Nick Colionne, Jeffrey Osborne, Joyce Cooling and others. 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: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I customize the curriculum and repertory for each of my students based on their personal goals, which we will discuss in the first lessons. Do you want to play for yourself or to perform publicly? What kinds of repertory appeal to you and how much time do you have to practice? From there we will create a plan that best meets these goals. For beginners, this will include a method book (I often use Faber Piano Adventures for young beginners and Alfred Adult-In-One methods) to get you started. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe making music fun can keep students motivated and improve their skills. When you love music, you are more motivated to improve. I also believe music is based on a lot of techniques. In order to express your feeling through music and have more fun, you will need to practice to mature the technique. Practice makes perfect!!! I believe that everyone is unique. I encourage my students, but insist that they need to learn something new every lesson so they can get closer to their goals. 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