Finksburg Music Lessons

chnical skills in either piano, voice (or a combination of both) and a strong musical foundation. Theory and Ear Training are fundamentals that are embedded in this approach to developing a complete musician and artist.

I have over 20 years experience 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!

in numerous venues around the DC, Baltimore and Annapolis, as well as Nashville. I worked in musical instrument sales for 4 years, so I have a vast knowledge of musical gear, and would like to share that knowledge with you. My current passion is to put my knowledge and experiences to use in guiding students to learn everything they will need to know to become the musician they aspire to be.

h school. I also have festival experience. I have been a student at Brevard Music Center, Heifetz International Music Institute, BayView Music Festival, and I was a Teaching Fellow at Interlochen Arts Camp. Through my experiences both as a student and as a teacher, I understand that every student is a little bit different. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. Every student has a different learning style. Every student has a different way of understanding things, a different way of processing information, and a different personality all together. It will be my job as a teacher to get to know each student individually and use my teaching methods to teach the student how to play the violin and help him or her to reach his or her goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid-back person. I am easy-going, enthusiastic about violin playing and about teaching and learning music, and I am very patient with my students as well. However, I am also very demanding. I explain and demonstrate objectives in a very precise way, and I demand a lot of detailed work from my students, inside and outside the lesson. I explain specifically what I want the student to do. By the end of every lesson, the student will have specific things to work on for next time. I expect each student to make practicing a habit, and practice regularly what has been discussed in the lesson. I try to make the lessons as pleasant and as laid-back as possible. But I become more firm, serious, and strict when a student either is not making an effort or does not practice enough outside the lesson.
I start students off with the Suzuki method. We work on techniques to hold the violin properly, hold the bow properly, and get a decent sound out of the violin, without too much physical tension. A student begins by learning to play by ear. After he or she is comfortable playing by ear, we associate the notes that the student hears and plays on the violin with written notes on a page.
We also work with the Paul Roland methods so that the student can learn the violin in a basic, rudimentary way. It involves a lot of repetitive patterns, back and forth motions that are slow and round, and avoiding excessive tension. This will give the student the tools that he or she needs to learn how to play the violin in a short period of time.
In three to six months, a student who is a beginner will be able to hold the violin and bow comfortably, create a decent sound on the violin, and play the Twinkle Variations, and maybe a few other songs.
If the student has played violin before, then in three to six months, he or she will have had some rehabilitation to get rid of tension and force, overcome some bad habits he or she may have developed, and review the fundamentals of violin playing. I will improve the student's approach to the violin, and by the end of the three to six months, he or she will have a better idea on how to practice and play the violin.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, seating for parents in the living room,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide a stand.
I will expect the student to have a violin, rosin, and a pencil.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Method- a starting point, particularly for kids, but for people of all ages. It is a good way to begin learning the violin by playing by ear, developing a strong, clear tone, and bringing out one's individuality through his/her musical development and his/her ability to be expressive.

In a matter of time, I want the student to get used to reading music, in addition to playing by ear. This can be done through the pieces in the Suzuki method or through other music.

Eventually, I take the student off of the Suzuki method and work with him or her on classical repertoire.

ence I have developed the ability to adjust my lessons for students of different levels and create a learning environment that is fun yet challenging and full of growth. Having played a variety of genres I encourage my students to choose pieces that speak to them while also working on developing their techniques through shorter exercises. My goal is to help my students achieve their goals and surprise themselves going way beyond, because I truly believe there is no limit. With practice, determination, and inspiring lessons my students can reach heights they would never have imagined before.

Teaching Methods:
For beginners I usually work with the Rubank methods book as well as songs that students love to play. I often use flashcards to facilitate with site-reading and slowly introduce all the musical symbols. I adapt different techniques to meet the needs of each student. For intermediate and advanced students I prefer using scales, etudes (exercises), sonatas, concertos and solo pieces of their preference. I especially enjoy playing duets with my students, one of their favorite ways of practicing, as it combines our talents in order to create something beautiful. Through regular practice and mentorship I teach my students to become independent and confident performers as they perform solo, as part of a band, or in competitions. There is no greater joy than being able to teach my students and help them better perform and understand the music they are sharing with others. My goal has always been to be a facilitator of my students' journeys to success and to see them fall in love with the flute just like I did at a very young age.

Tools:
During my lessons I often use a tuner and metronome to help students play on tune and keep the tempo if needed. Additionally, I occasionally use a recording device so students can become more aware of their sound and can learn to self-correct. It is also a great way to hear improvement over time.

ou like.

Singing beautifully is not enough. I can't tell you how many times I heard in grad school "beautiful voices are a dime a dozen." I will teach you how to OWN the song. That's what keeps people coming back.

Speaking – Every public speaker I know has lost their voice at some point, but not from talking too much. It's because they don't know how to use their voice properly. Learn that, and you need never lose your voice to over-use. That's easy to teach.

Writing – I have been a professional writer and editor for over eight years, with many books, articles, posts, newsletters, etc. to my name. I use – and teach – practical grammar, not just correct grammar. I can also help you make your words more powerful.