Dickerson, MD Music Theory Lessons

s and colleges. I am also a judge in the Young Artist Award in Maryland. In addition, I have received two White House awards for my performances at the White House, I am also a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society.

Music has been an important part of my life. It represents so much that is good in life and I do my best to communicate this to my students. I am training my students not just to be musicians but to love music for life.

*** Lesson Details ***
I treat each student as an individual since everyone is different. For some I might use a traditional approach, some just the Suzuki approach and others a combination of techniques. Whatever produces the best results. My goal is not to make strictly classical musicians but to train students to love music and carry this love throughout life. My repertoire consists of everything including traditional, Suzuki, Disney, Showtunes, etc. I have taken students to perform little concerts at the White House, schools, hospitals and concert halls to get the real feel of performing. I view lessons as a three way relationship between myself, the student and the parent so that the parent is not left out. I even have a small group called Musical Magic which incorporates magic into music. I feel I am laid back but am able to accomplish my goal through positive reinforcement. Every child or student wants to feel good about his/her playing. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. If you want online lessons, please contact me through Take Lessons since I have additional availability to teach online. In the past six months my students have performed for the National Humane Society at their animal ball, a multi teacher recital on a local stage, and just two weeks ago seven of them performed at Strathmore. This summer I have two more concerts planned. Coming up will be an all instrument graduation with several other teachers where students receive medals for their performances. No student is required to perform but if they want to the opportunity is there. All students are required to have an instrument prior to beginning lessons. If students need to rent a violin, I will provide you with the name of a violin dealer that both rents and sells string instruments. Piano students must have a piano or keyboard.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach at home and have both a grand piano and electric keyboard in addition to a harp and violin.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When my students have to travel to perform, I make sure they have everything they need.

*** Specialties ***
Traditional and Suzuki approaches for both violin and piano. I also teach children with learning disabilities.and have extensive summer programs to help students with auditions for youth orchestras and school orchestras.

amps, recording equipment, drums and PA system.

*** Studio Equipment ***
guitars, amps, drums, 16 track recorder, soup to nuts

*** Specialties ***
Rock (all kinds), Blues, Pop, Country, ear training.

imultaneously pursuing my music ambition. I studied classical guitar at American University with a student of the great Andres Segovia, and also studied jazz guitar with a former student of a prominent jazz guitarist, Pat Martino. Additionally, I sang in choirs and studied composition privately with a prominent Washington area composer and performer from Catholic University, I also began to teach at an area performing arts academy.

My most long-term experiences in music have been serving in my local church for over 30 years, either playing guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), piano, or arranging vocals in a contemporary worship band. I also started a church choir, and led both choir and small orchestra in a number of special performances. Additionally, I led congregational worship in different scenarios. During this time I also taught students of all ages guitar, piano, and music theory, and have continued to today in helping students to find their musical potential and pursue their musical ambitions.

I have recently retired from my engineering career so I can use my musical gifts in my local church and teach music as a second career. I have completed my second degree at George Mason University, and continue to play with other musicians there. More importantly, I continue to learn how to better teach others of all ages how to grow in all aspects of music-making.

*** Lesson Details ***
Having taught for many years, my approach is flexible and I can adjust my teaching style and/or curriculum to maximize the student's potential for learning at any age. I encourage disciplined practice while working to make learning music an enjoyable experience. Although I specialize in guitar styles, I also teach piano, and can include music theory, sight reading, composition, and how to improvise on any instrument. I have taught improvisation on a number of different instruments such as violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.

Here are some testimonials from present or former students/parents:

"Mr. S. is very earnest; when he gives you a compliment, you can tell he really means it. He's very patient and experienced and skilled and he is willing to take what he's teaching down to my level to help me understand it." Gregory K., age 10
Geoff is a patient and encouraging instructor. He tailored my lessons towards the skills that I needed. He provides the necessary encouragement when the long hours of practice seem impossible to sustain. I could write a book about Geoff's credentials: highly qualified is an understatement. -- Neal B.
Mr. S. is awesome at playing and teaching guitar, and he is nice and helps you. -- Michael B., age 12
œI'm sure I could learn to ˜Play Guitar Today™ using books and videos, but I think I'm on the right track with private one-on-one instruction. “ Linda H.
The guitar lessons are fun, interactive, and instructive. A great way to make learning a delight!“ Gina R., parent

*** Studio Equipment ***
Office at home w/ keyboard and guitars, white board, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide self-produced instructional material.
Students provide their own instrument and a folder to store instructional material.

*** Specialties ***
I teach any style of guitar, including classical and jazz. I also teach improvisation or "playing by ear" on any instrument; my experience includes piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and flute.
I'm very familiar with 60's music (e.g., Beatles)
I've performed a lot of folk music, rock music, and classical music
I've played classical guitar and in classical and jazz ensembles at weddings and other special events.

ks better than the spoken word because it doesn't have to be understood to be effective."

In some instances, music works better than the spoken word because it doesn't have to be understood to be effective. Although many musicians agree that music is a "language" it is rarely treated as such.

Many of us treat it as something that can only be learned by following a strict regiment under the tutelage of a skilled teacher. This approach has been followed for hundreds of years with proven success... But it takes a long time. Too long.

Think about the first language you learned as a child. More importantly, think about how you learned it.

"You were allowed to make mistakes."

You were a baby when you first started speaking and even though you spoke the language incorrectly you were allowed to make mistakes - and the more mistakes you made, the more your parents smiled!

Learning to speak was not something you were sent somewhere to do only a few times a week. The majority of people you spoke to were not beginners, they were already proficient speakers. Imagine your parents forcing to only speak to other babies until you were good enough to speak to them! You'd probably be an adult before you could carry on a proper conversation.

To use a musical term, as a baby you were allowed to "jam" with professionals.

If we approach music in the same natural way we approached our first language, we would learn to speak it in the same short time it took to speak our first language.
Proof of this can be seen in almost any family where a child grows up with other musicians in the family.

Here are a few keys to follow in learning guitar or bass:

In the beginning we embrace mistakes instead of correcting them. Like a child playing air guitar there are no wrong notes.

Allow young musicians to play and perform with accomplished musicians on a daily basis.

Encourage young musicians to play more than they practice. The more they play, the more they will practice on their own.

Music comes from the musician, not the instrument.
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2) RockSmith 2014 becomes your personal accomplished musician or band for you to play in a daily basis as it monitors how you play, dynamically adjusts difficulty to your skill level, then slowly introduces more notes and phrases until you're playing your favorite songs note-for-note. Lead Rhythm and bass lines.

Rocksmith 2014 teaches you fast and effectively by letting you plug any real guitar or bass directly into your Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC or Mac.

The Rocksmith Method will first make sure you can PLAY the instrument.
You will play your favorite songs.
You will learn a new technique every month.
Rocksmith is designed to match the way your guitar is laid out, so there's no need to interpret tablature or learn sheet music to get started.
Have strings on your guitar? You'll see strings on the screen....

You'll need a game console, a screen and a electric guitar or bass. It's non negotiable.

If you don't have it. I will provide you with a loaner system until you catch up.

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3) A dedicated and passionate Teacher to tie everything together and keep you on track.

The early you start, the better. Kids age 6 or up are my best customers. They don't have adjust to anything other than to get their little fingers around a guitar appropriate to their size.
For young adults and people that tried play the guitar the old fashion way, here's my advise:

You will need to take a step back... or maybe two steps. Let me show you a better way.

These 3 things changes everything in how to learn or teach guitar. This is just to start the journey. I won't even mention custom songs or our musician club for you to perform your songs.

"If music is a language. You should never stop talking."

Remember that a language works the best when we have something interesting to say.
Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say. We only tell them what they are supposed to say.
A child speaks a language for years before they even learn the alphabet.
Too many rules at the onset will actually slow them down.
In my eyes the approach to music should be the same.

After all, music is a language too.

Let's Play & Grow Together.

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Private guitar and bass lessons are designed for students to progress at their own pace. Private lessons will follow the same RockSmith Journey structure. In a private guitar or bass lesson, the teacher has the opportunity to help the student individually for the entire lesson time, and structures each lesson personally for the student depending on their skill level and goals.

The Essentials/Techniques Plus:

Tuning
Strapping up
How to hold a pick
Plucking strings
Accents
Slides
Chords
Power chords
Double stops
Barre chords
Arpeggios
Notes Chords Scales

Shifting
Fretting
Sustains
Palm mutes
Slides
Bends
Tremelos
Hammer-ons
Pull-offs
Natural harmonics
Strumming patterns
Unpitched slides
Fret hand mutes
Improvising and jamming
Vibrato
Scales and modes
Changing strings

Additional Bass Techniques:

Fifths
Roots
Slapping
Popping

Advanced Players:

Double stop, Oblique, and Compound Bends
Two hand tapping
Articulation and phrasing
Pinch harmonics
Extended harmonies
Hybrid techniques
Advanced chords

udent's goals and interests. With younger students, Rachel communicates regularly with parents so they can work together to get the most out of lessons!

ve gone on tour twice before. I specialize in electric bass and music theory, but am quite comfortable teaching beginner to intermediate guitar.

methods are placed firmly in the true Italian traditions of bel canto, due to her extensive experience and knowledge in various styles, she has her own unique approach to all legitimate styles of singing that is beyond comparison, nor can her teaching style be matched.

She has a phenomenal ear and knows what to listen for and then how to direct students during the process.

Christine is a dramatic soprano and is very confident and experienced with large instruments (that are more difficult to train for various reasons). Having an extremely rare and large voice herself has given her invaluable insight toward fully understanding all other voice types and the discipline necessary to achieve efficient technique.

Many teachers can be limited in their view and teach "their technique" as opposed to helping the student develop their own technique and what works best for them.

Developing technique in a complete and effective way leads toward discovering the full capacity of our instrument without compromise or compensation.

Students should expect to learn how to use breath direction that continues to connect and blend registers, modification of placement that creates cover, internal space with an open throat and sustained low larynx by using efficient breath and support from the body.

Her methods in vocal intonation translate directly and indirectly into all styles of legitimate singing, which she coaches many varying styles and will direct student toward appropriate rep. Students will learn the full potential of their instrument under her guidance. It is her belief that technique should lead toward one sounding natural, no matter the style.

Christine offers very traditional based vocal lessons with a focus on improving technique through practical exercises and song rep designed for each student's unique vocal needs. She will offer necessary guidance and adjustments to ensure the student's continuous development.

Her goal is for her vocal students to discover their authentic voice and to find freedom in their technique and most importantly their expression as artists.

Christine is also a highly sought out piano instructor for her ability to establish an exceptional foundation in beginning piano students and those who wish to continue their studies and build upon the fundamentals. She specializes in reading skills and excellent technique.

It is her belief that having a solid foundation sets the tone for determining if a student will continue with their studies and therefore this is the most vital part of a student's development and future progress.

She teaches Russian technique, which allows for flexibility, strength and tonal beauty of musical lines. This technique can be applied to all styles of playing piano such as pop, jazz and is not limited to just the classical repertoire.

Her goal is for all of her music students to become increasingly independent as musicians to where they feel confident to teach themselves and others and to ultimately find enjoyment in the process of learning music.

Her approach helps students advance their technique, reading proficiency, including music theory and expand their artistic capabilities.

She received her music education in classical vocal performance from George Mason University and has vigiourously continued her studies in opera with Mrs. Fabiana Bravo, who studied with Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto. Christine specializes in Italian for classical rep.

General styles I coach:
Opera (bel canto and verismo) classical, sacred, hymnal, traditional, jazz, r&b, folk, among other popular styles.

Christine also has an international recording career as an adult contemporary artist.

Voice lessons begin at age 14-55 and piano at age 6-any age. Please no inquires about exceptions on age or travel, I will not respond. I teach from my home only, regardless of distance. I am worth waiting for and traveling to:)

What do I expect from students who are applying:

Those who are hard working, motivated, passionate, dedicated, responsible, considerate, humble and serious about lessons and greatly improving as musicians should apply only!

I strongly believe that music is a discipline and this is how it will be approached during lessons.

I am looking for potential long term students who are willing and ready to work hard in a practical and realistic manner, regardless of age, learning needs or proficiency.

I have limited availability and I am only seeking serious students who have a positive professional attitude and will value me as a teacher. Thank you.

nd learn some amazing things. I also teach video editing and production and have filmed and edited many videos that are used today in HR training