Darlington, MD Piano Lessons

ience working with students as young as 3 and old as 85! Often multiple generations in a family study together making for a rich family experience.

Performance opportunities: Recitals, Concerts Cabarets and Musicals are a part of developing into a musician and singer and enhancing a love of music that will last a lifetime!

*** Lesson Details ***
Piano - Classical, Jazz, Blues and Improvisation. Current students are beginners to professional musicians and music teachers.

Voice – I am an accomplished vocal coach and songwriter and currently work with a wide variety of singers from young beginners to professionals who look to develop through ear training, singing and songwriting. In a unique way I guide people to become better performers and musicians through the combination of voice, piano and composition.

I work with students as young as 3 or 4 and into their 80’s. It’s important to begin with an excellent teacher from the start to set a good foundation and to have the ability to develop as quickly and thoroughly as possible. I enjoy working with beginners as well as accomplished musicians. I also believe that music is one of the great joys of life and that lessons should be FUN!

Besides a wide variety of performance opportunities through my Family to Family Concerts, I also offer my students the curriculum and exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, a gold standard music curriculum.. The ABRSM is accredited in over 100 countries worldwide and exams are offered twice per year in all instruments and voice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson room with grand piano, vocal mics, recording equipment. Parents can sit in on lessons and waiting area available, parking on street. No pets.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They will need a piano or keyboard

*** Specialties ***
A message from Robert: Hello, I am a master teacher focusing on the classical repertoire along with a very creative approach to improvisation and composition. I help students to achieve their interests of music rather than focusing on teaching one particular method. Classes are tailored to the student and constantly evolving. This has led me to work in a variety of mediums and styles including Jazz, improvisation, rock and blues. This approach also enhances an understanding and love of classical music.
I also guide my students in the curriculum and exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. (ABRSM) Exams are offered twice per year.
I have also found it inspiring to work with people with disabilities and help them find a way to express themselves musically. I give lectures and workshops in the area and around the country on improvisation and creativity along with concerts of my own music.
I also work with a number of students in vocal coaching and accompanying.
New this year are seminars in songwriting for adults and children. Groups of 4-5 collaborate on new songs. Film and video composition coming soon!

e, did you know that children who study a musical instrument learn responsibility and discipline, they gain pride in their accomplishments which in turn makes them confident, they learn to think in a logical manner, and they will perform better in school. These are just a few of the benefits children could gain through music lessons

My Specialties: My passion is classical music, however, I realize that the students'€™ interests are diverse, so, I teach pieces they request which include easy fun Pop Music, Hymns, Boogie, Rock, Country and other contemporary pieces.
My Education: At an early age, I took a great interest in music, so my older sister who is four years older than I taught me what she learned in her piano lessons. She also taught me music theory. At the age of 12-14 my parents sent me to private piano lessons. My piano teacher at that time eventually told me that I needed to find a new teacher because she had taught me all she knew. After that, I approached a well known Julliard Master in town. He took me on as a student after he heard me play the Beethoven'€™s Pathetique Sonata in C minor. I learned through Arthur Fiddler'€™s comment made in the newspaper that Mr. Chang, my teacher, in his opinion was the best piano teacher in Hawaii. Under Mr. Chang’s tutelage, I was exposed to a variety of classical pieces written by famous composers of the 15th to 18th centuries. At the age of 14, I made my first piano recital debut. My piano teacher was impressed with my talent and expressed his wish for me to pursue music and enter into Julliard. But, my parents being immigrants from Korea, did not think it was a good choice of career. So, I went into nursing instead, much to the consternation of my piano teacher. In 2001, I made a career change and found my passion for music revived again. I started teaching piano as well as taking Music Theory courses at a community college and taking lessons from a Julliard- Peabody master as well lessons from a Curtis Institute master. I continue taking piano lesson even now while I give piano lessons to beginner and intermediate students.
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*** Lesson Details ***
In my piano studio, besides just learning to actually play the piano, students will engage in flashcard drills, writing work, and other activities to strengthen their overall knowledge of music. This will prepare them well for continued study in piano, for playing other instruments or singing, and for enjoying music in general. As an incentive to practice, our studio awards each week piano dollars for the time each student practices during the week. At the end of the year, we have an auction that the children could participate in using their piano dollars to purchase items.

In first the lesson the concepts stressed include:
1. Hand position and posture at the piano.
2. Right hand , left hand, and how the fingers are numbered.
3. Direction on the keyboard
4. The pattern of keys on the key board

In the first year of piano study, the concepts covered are:
1. Theory: identify steps, skips, and repeats; write and recognize 2nd -5ths intervals; sharp and flat signs; identify key signatures
2. Rhythms: whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, and dotted notes.
3. Technique: correct hand position; curved fingers, down –up wrist for phrasing, legato/staccato touch, penta scales; major chords and voicing (balance of hands) 5-finger melodies; single line melodies divided between hands; note-against-note playing, some melody/chord playing.
4. Repertoire: A Dozen A Day by Edna-Mae Burmae Books; Five-finger melodies by Faber Faber; Famous & Fun Pop Books by Carol Matz ; Boogie, Rock & Country Level 1 by James Bastien; Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Lesson Book Level One for adult beginners.

In addition to lessons each student is required to participate in an annual piano recital to give them experience and confidence in performance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: grand piano, couches and chairs, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Specialties ***
To teach the skills in playing the piano, the classical genre is preferred in the repertoire.

ate notes on the piano in relation to middle C

2) Being able to recognize notes on the staffs and play them in the correct locations on the piano

3) Scale theory- understanding how scales are constructed and being able to play at least 2 octaves of all 12 major scales with both hands at the same time

4) Chord theory- understanding how triads and eventually seventh chords are constructed

5) Sight reading- there is a "trick" to this, if you will, a way to go about approaching tunes that I've found makes them easier to digest

6) And for those interested, we can give the lessons a more Jazz-oriented approach (lessons would then more heavily emphasize scale and chord theory, syncopation, and learning Jazz standards)

Remember, we are all students. Instrument teachers, instructors, coaches (whatever you want to call them) do not represent an end to the learning process, but rather a continuation of it. We're all trying to improve, develop our craft, build up our chops, practice new and uncomfortable things, and expand upon our abilities of what we can do. I have heard from Jazz pianists in their 80s say that they are still learning, still trying to get better. I think that's an important thing to keep in mind as you begin this journey. The journey never ends, it just extends and continues. You'll never run out of new things to learn. The only thing you can strive for is to be the most competent you can be at your instrument. Your playing ability at any point along this journey is only a mere reflection of who you are at this moment in time. So make this moment the most meaningful it can be. The journey begins here.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full Sized, Fully Weighted Electronic Keyboard in living room
Comfortable sitting area in waiting room for parents

*** Specialties ***
music, piano, jazz piano
Jazz

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

state).

I also have an extensive professional and personal background in meditation (10 years), astrology (5 years) and healing (particularly Reiki, 4 years). I am very interested in the intersection between a healing/mindfulness-awareness approach and singing/playing piano.

versity of Maryland at College Park.

During high school, Jonathan became fascinated by writing his own music, and now holds three degrees from preeminent schools in the field of music composition. His music has been performed by numerous ensembles and musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Eastman Musica Nova, and Knox-Galesburg Symphony. He was recently a featured guest composer at the Bowling Green State University New Music and Art Festival. His piece for stings, Nightscape, has been a particular audience favorite and performed by orchestras across the US. Jonathan also enjoys doing collaborative and multimedia projects with local choreographers, videographers, and musicians.

As a teacher, Jonathan is exceptionally patient, always engaged with his students’ progress, and actively listens to what his students want from their lessons and in helping them decide on the music they want to play. He takes a very practical and holistic approach to teaching keyboard, and always makes sure to discover the fun in learning. Jonathan strongly believes that all students, no matter where one is in life, possess the ability to achieve success in their lessons – and that his job is to guide them to unlock and discover their potential, to inspire their curiosity, and to help them advance their musical skills on their chosen instrument. Jonathan has also taught courses in theory, aural skills, sight-singing, and composition at the University of Maryland and Ball State University. He has studied music pedagogy, and actively pursues researching about new methods and developments on the learning process.

ur family, friends, and your puppies too! I am very thrilled to share my passion for music with you! and I hope you and I will be new best friends, beyond being just a teacher and a student!

I am a very funny and kind teacher:) When you meet me, you will realize "she is very funny" HAHA!!!
Just choose me and you will see why many students have worked with me and love learning music with me! And let me know if you have any questions about lessons or anything that is not about music too! I'm more than happy to answer them for you!

One thing! If you are interested in booking lessons with me, please only book five! Sometimes it is very difficult to find a good, I mean "really-good-matching" teacher for a student. I want to be the best teacher for you and I promise I will, but if for any reasons, we are not good matches, I will try my best to find a good one for you!

Thank you!!!

Cheers!

timore and Municipal Opera company production of “She Never Lost a Passenger,” an original opera about the life of Harriet Tubman. Hewlett performed with Darin Atwater & the Soulful Symphony Orchestra during their inaugural season in 2005. Since 2004 he has served as music editor and copyist for local composers. In 2003, he was awarded a grand piano, gift of the Governing Members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. In 2001, the Education Department of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra awarded him the Charles A. Buerger Scholarship. In the same year, Hewlett served as a music instructor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Camp Allegro, a musical enrichment experience for underprivileged students. He won first place, Classical Vocal at the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt Competition in 2000, 2002, and 2003 under the tutelage of Mrs. Delores Jones.

For 18 years, Mr. Hewlett has served as music director, organist, and guest conductor at churches of various denominations throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. His church appointments include serving concurrently as Director of Music/Organist On October 31st, 2015, he was privileged to serve as Director of Music for the Vigil Eucharist for the Installation of the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America. During the preceding summer, he was honored to serve as Director of Music for the 47th National Conference of the Union of Black Episcopalians.