Voice Lessons in Midland, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I recommend Alfred, John Thompson, or Piano Adventures books. (If you already have books that you have used on your own r with aother teacher, I am happy to use those as well!) Additionally, I will choose a recital piece applicable to their level that the student will work on for a few weeks/ months at a time to be performed at their first recital performance. 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

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing my students learn at their own pace, lessons are not to be rushed and homework is not to be treated carelessly. Understanding and being able to interpret the history of a piece is just as important and learning it, how are you to convince an audience without knowing it for yourself? I encourage this by setting realistic and well obtainable goals. Recognition for accomplishments is definitely a helping tool as well as fuel for progress of vocal abilities. 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