Elkton, MD Piano Lessons

fingers to do what you need them to do - so you will have finger exercises and scales to practice to enable to play pieces/songs you like. In order to accomplish all this we will use a piano method designed to teach you these things little by little so you won't get overwhelmed. One step at a time towards your goal - self enjoyment, being the life of the party, accompany the chorus, play the songs you hear on the radio or perhaps even become a renowned pianist on stage or in the theater. Whatever your goal you will need to practice and you must have a piano or at least a keyboard. The method we use will depend on the student's age, reading level, past experience with piano or other instruments and I will take into consideration your goals. If you are interested in popular music there will be a point (when you are ready) when you will be able to add this type of music to the lesson music. How quickly you grow musically depends greatly on the quality of your practice time - thus you will determine your rate of progress.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I like to purchase new materials myself for the student based on their needs at the time. They need a decent notebook for listing practice items. I usually have the method book, with note-speller for beginners, theory for more advanced, and additional pieces (non-method) as appropriate. Hanon is a staple. I use various other materials to remedy finger technique and rhythm issues as learned from my teachers and those devised by myself.

*** Specialties ***
I prefer to use a variety of materials. At the first lesson I assess reading ability, interest, physical ability and attention span to determine what materials are appropriate for the student. All students will learn scales, finger exercises, pieces and theory. I have used Thompson, Schaum, Pace, Fletcher and Alfred in my teaching - and frequently a combination there-of.

s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at West Chester University.

I served on the faculty of Suburban Music School for 17 years where I taught voice, piano and recorder lessons. I also directed the Children’s Choir and the Women’s Choir. I was formerly on the faculty of Delaware County Community College where I taught courses in the Music Department; and of Temple Music Prep where I instituted, developed and maintained a vocal program at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.

In addition to teaching I was employed for eleven years as a chorister at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, DE where I have had the opportunity to sing for such notable conductors as John Rutter, Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, and James O’Donnell. Previous choral work has included singing for Dr. Ifor Jones and for Michael Korn. I perform in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Cape May, NJ and with a Celtic group called Celtic Women and Friends.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice Lessons

When you study voice with me, you will start with the basics - posture, breathing and tone production. If you have studied before, we will review these areas and brush up on anything that needs work. The next step is to learn some vocal exercises to warm up and develop your voice. When the exercises are going well, we will begin to work on songs. You will need to learn some classical songs because they help to develop your voice, but we will also work on the kind of music you like best. In addition to songs, we will work on solfege (do, re, mi, etc.) which helps to train your ear and to improve your sightreading ability. If you don't know how to read music I will teach you that. If you read music but have some gaps in your knowledge, we will fill those in.

I teach what is called bel canto (beautiful singing). It is a healthy vocal technique that will help you avoid vocal problems. When you learn to sing with this technique, you can sing any style of music you want. After a few months of study, you should be able to tell that your voice is growing stronger, that you have better breath control, and that your range is increasing.

Although I have high expectations of my students, I am relaxed and friendly. If you love to laugh, we will enjoy that together!

Piano Lessons

When you study piano with me you will enjoy playing a variety of songs from your lesson book. As you advance, we may add a repertoire book which increases the number and variety of songs you play. There are many excellent piano methods. I use different methods for different students, depending on their needs.

Lessons will include posture and proper hand position, warm-ups, songs and music theory. Music theory is the study of notation and how music is put together. You will have a workbook with exercises for this study. If there is a particular style of music you would like to play, we will look for music at your level to add to your lesson. After a few months of study, you should know how to read basic notation and be able to play a number of songs. You will also have increased your knowledge of musical notation and harmony.

I expect my students to practice in preparation for their lesson every week. I am relaxed and friendly, so that should help to put you at your ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, music stand, stereo equip, seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching the bel canto style singing. With this technique, a person can sing any style of music she or he chooses.

professors. I attend piano teaching workshops on a regular basis to stay up-to-date with new teaching materials.
My students are taught a complete knowledge of music theory. The fundamentals of scales, chord structures, arpeggios etc. are an essential part of every lessons. Music technic is developed with these fundamentals. I teach a variety of music genres such as Jazz, Contemporary, Classical and Hymn playing, depending on the age and musical development of each student.

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach a 45 minute lesson but a 30 or 60 minute class is an option. In my experience, students 5 or 6 years of age, depending on their maturity level, do perform better with a 30 minute lesson. As they progress, they will move to the 45 minute lesson.
I have studied with many wonderful piano professors over the years.
Duke Thompson (Maryland Music Conservatory)
Ernest Ragogini ( Notre Dame University)
Jane Tan (Composer of teaching repertoire and teacher techniques for teaching)
Virginia Reinecke (Loyola University)
Fredrick Petrick ( Peabody Conservatory)
I cannot fail to give credit to Mrs. Marie Heck my first music instructor who inspired me with her gentle manner and her love of teaching.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Room: grand piano and organ.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Style all periods, Hymn playing, some Jazz and Contemporary music.

nd music so that you can learn on your own!

*** Studio Equipment ***
dedicated music room; 7 foot Steinway B grand piano

*** Specialties ***
I'm a classically trained pianist. I teach students to read music. I teach all kinds of music not just classical.

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

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.

w England Conservatory.

As for my performance career, I have committed to always being a member of an orchestra, band or performing group of some sort because it's my passion and I endeavor to teach from personal experience. Over my last ten years in SoCal I performed with several groups including the Blackbird Music Project, Montage Orchestra and Symphony Irvine. My last year concluded my position as Principal viola of the Dana Point Symphony for four seasons. I was in two bands during my college years. With Galanis I was a part of several Western U.S. tours that took us through California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana. I have had the privilege of working with artists such as violinist Anne Marie Calhoun, Jimmy Hopper, Andy Grammer and Stevie Nicks. Some of the larger productions I have been a part of include appearances on TV shows like Melrose Place and the Bachelorette, and performances for former President G.W. Bush and at the Governor's Ball for the Academy Awards.

My performance career continues to grow here on the East Coast, where I have lived since August 2015. I have been a member of the McLean Orchestra and have been added to rosters for the Alexandria Symphony, Arlington Philharmonic and Washington Sinfonietta. I currently hold a Bachelor's of Music in Viola Performance from Azusa Pacific University where I studied with Robert Becker, founder of the American String Quartet with a BM and MM in Viola Performance from Juilliard. I am now enrolled as a graduate assistant for my Master's of Music in Viola Performance at the University of Delaware.

When I'm not making music I'm running far, studying nutrition, cooking or spending time with my beloved friends and family!