Hunt Valley, MD Music Performance 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!

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.

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.

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.

's important for a singer to not only know how to sing, but to also understand the music he or she is singing. I will incorporate music theory into the lessons, starting with basics such as learning how to read notes.

I believe in making sure the singer is comfortable and confident.  The environment you will be learning in is open and non-threatening because a singer needs a place to explore his or her voice.  I encourage my students to make mistakes and to keep the lines of communication as open as possible.  Singers are perfectionists, and we're constantly telling ourselves what we do wrong- we don't need someone else enforcing that negativity.

I concentrate on a classical vocal technique, with proper posture, efficient breathing, lack of facial and body tension, and healthy vocal production. I believe that it is important to have a strong foundation of healthy technique no matter what style of singing. My teaching style and lesson focus will be different for each individual person, and I'm very flexible in adapting to each singer's needs and personality.

I am a very understanding teacher, and very patient, but I will push you to work to your potential! What you put into these lessons and your practicing is what you will get out of it. I am not strict, but I do expect dedication, passion, and respect. I am a very enthusiastic and energetic teacher, and lessons with me will be fun, productive, and encouraging.

If I sound like the right teacher for you, please arrange a trial lesson to see how well we work together!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room, piano, full-length mirror, comfortable seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students. I specialize in classical singing- applicable to any style of singing!

run through the neighborhood, or enjoying some time with her cats CJ and Skittles.

Chelsea B. holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees form the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are catered to each individual student and are conducted in a supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, try new things, make mistakes, and most importantly be themselves.

I generally focus voice lessons around classical vocal technique, which will develop good habits regarding... breathing... posture... body/facial tension...and overall good vocal health. Though I am classically trained, I am a firm believer in the idea that classical vocal techniques are carried over into any genre. In addition to classical repertoire I have experience working with musical theater, pop, jazz, soul, and country.

When teaching beginning piano I often focus on building a good foundation. Lessons are centered on rudiments, basic music theory, and technique. A wide variety of repertoire will be available to each student and will cover many styles and genres.

I value the time I have with my students and expect each student to come prepared to each lesson with an open mind and willingness to work. With music, the best results only come to those who put in 100% both during lessons and during individual practice time. This is key in any musical pursuit. Overall, I want lessons to be enjoyable while still maintaining a sense of progress for the student.

As a teacher I have had experience teaching both young children and adults in many settings, whether it be in a classroom, small group lesson, or one-on one. I pride myself on providing lessons that are uniquely individual and foster a students strengths while also building on their weaknesses. The best part about being a music educator is that I get to share my love of music with all of my students. With that said, whether you are a beginner who's interest has been sparked, or you have aspirations of becoming a professional musician I can help you there.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Family Room: Piano, seating for parents.

**Please note I have 2 cats in the home**

*** Specialties ***
Voice and Piano Lessons
Classical, Musical Theater, Pop, Jazz, Soul, and Country.

want if your preferences change. As far as music teachers go, I'd like to think of myself as pretty laid back. I understand that most people have lives outside of music, so we'll go at a pace that is most comfortable for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I combine the styles of music that you prefer with some kind of method book for reading and theory. No purchasing of music is required. Normal lessons start with the previously assigned material, determining what we need to work on, new material, and ending with things to do at home.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ample guitars, amps, chairs, and music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a music stand, tuner, metronome, and amplifier if necessary

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical methods - sight-reading, theory, and performance play an integral role in music.

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

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.