Voice Lessons in Lyon Village, DC

Instruments: Piano Voice

While achievement is important to me, I believe that developing long-term skills is a far more significant. I prefer to emphasize skill-building and retention, and always want to make sure the student is enjoying the process. I prefer to set realistic short- and long-term goals for students at each lesson, and acknowledge their accomplishments with a system of rewards. Additionally, at the end of each year, I encourage my students' participation in a studio-wide voluntary recital, which is intended to showcase their growth and development over the course of the year as well as afford them an opportunity to perform in public. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Lessons are geared towards student needs. Beginning guitar and piano lessons follow standard curricula. Voice lessons are usually 15-30 minutes of technique work followed by 15-30 minutes of work on repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Voice

When I meet a student, I take notes on what kind of music they like, what their goals are, and why they feel like voice lessons are the best way for them to achieve that goal. From there I take the pace at whatever the student is comfortable with occasionally pushing it a little bit if progress seems to be too slow. I believe that it is important to challenge but not overwhelm. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

During his time in school, Mike performed in a number of different groups. He has played in situations as varied as Orchestra, Big-band, African Drum Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Combo Jazz Groups, Gamelan Orchestra, Afro-Cuban Ensembles, and Mallet Ensembles. He also performed in freelance rock, jazz, jam, and improvisational groups. Mike began playing at age 7 on both piano and drums and started performing at age 14. Later he studied voice in college and picked up the banjo as another instrument to have in his repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Music

For a beginner student, I tend to use the Rubank method books there are several for specific instruments. This book is just a guide though the majority of my lessons are student based. I take into consideration their level and what they can accomplish in their own practice and dedication. For adults or advanced students I want to see where they are and what they need help or work with. 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: Voice

For beginning students I stress the importance of reading music, so I heavily work on their rhythmic and melodic vocabulary. I am not set on a particular methods book because I am a firm believer that all students learn differently and some methods work better for some than others. I like to be adaptive in my teaching and mold my lessons to fit the needs of each individual student. Read More