Skip to main content
image of Lena E.

Singing with Lena E.

Centreville, Virginia

4.9
(33)
Teaches online
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Age: 5+
Speaks English
Teaching since 2007

    About Lena E.

    4.9
    (33)
    GUITAR CURRICULUM (VOCAL INSTRUCTION CURRICULUM SEE BELOW): You like music. I like music. You want to learn how to play guitar. I can teach you how to play guitar, and so much more. It's that simple. I have real-world experience in getting out there and playing guitar in a band, in front of a real crowd, and I can teach you how to do the same. Whether you're interested in performing in front of your relatives, at your local open mic down the street, or if you want to pursue music as a possible profession, you need strong, basic fundamentals to get there. That's where I come in. *** Lesson Details *** Lessons include: guitar technique/knowledge/maintenance: -Getting to know your instrument, such as the name for parts of the guitar, and what they contribute to the instrument. How to identify notes on each string and in every fret across the fretboard. First, you need to learn how to speak guitar. This is like learning the basic language so we can communicate with each other. You: "Why do I have to identify all the parts of the guitar?" Me: "So when I tell you to strum over the sound hole, you won't mistake it for your ear." -How to tune and care for your guitar such as changing strings You: "Why do I need to learn how to tune my guitar and properly change my strings?" Me: "So when you learn how to play the thing, it sounds good and stays in tune, and your neighbor's dog won't start howling when you pick up your instrument." -Chords and Strumming: Open chords, Power chords, Barre chords, 7th chords, 9th chords, 1st and 2nd inversion chords. More chords than you can shake a stick at. You: "Why do I need to learn chords?" Me: "So you string chords together, and play a song, Silly." -Scales (Major scales, Natural minor scales, Harmonic minor scales, Melodic minor scales, In every key and in six different positions) You: "Why do I need to learn scales?" Me: "Just to torture you. Just kidding! Scales build strength and speed and get your two hands working together. And scales are fundamental for learning licks and writing melodies later on down the road." -Other fundamentals include chord chart reading, tablature reading, and specific technical skills such as hammer-ons and pull-offs, palm muting, using a pick, and finger picking styles. MUSIC THEORY: Strictly for impressing your friends and/or classmates. Ok, not really. Music theory is important, especially if you want to play other instruments down the road, and to give you a the "Big Picture" of music. Fundamental theory you will learn includes -Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc) -Major and Minor Scales and Key Signatures (You've heard about the Circle of Fifths. Now you'll be able to decipher it!) -How to identify and play intervals (Major, Minor, Perfect) -Chord theory (What makes a Major chord, well, Major; Minor chord, Minor. Diminished, Augmented, etc) -Harmonic Analysis You: "I've heard about this I IV V I progression stuff. What does that mean?" Me: "In due time, Grasshopper" -Transposition (Good for changing the keys of your favorite songs so you or your lead singer can sing them in his/her vocal range) First we learn this stuff through take-home worksheets. Then, we apply what we know to the guitar and make it useful and practical. Music history and appreciation. Ever wonder about the origins of the guitar and how it came about to be one of the most popular instruments played in modern time? Or who the great Blues guitarists were from the 30's and 40's and how they influenced later day Rockers such as Jimmy Page or Keith Richards? Or how about how modern Western music formed and is what it is today, starting with Ancient Greece, through the Middle Ages, to Beethoven, to Ragtime to popular music today? Yep, we got that covered. It's all about perspective. Songwriting. So you're tired of playing other people's songs and it's time to get your thoughts on paper. Congratulations. You are officially an Artist as well as a Musician. I can teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs sure to make your Mom or Girlfriend/Boyfriend proud. Songwriting expands the limits of learning, that simply copying another artist note-for-note cannot do. Tapping your "Creative Vein" is the ultimate path to learning music. Let's get started. music performance. Alright, you got knowledge, you got skills, you got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do. *** Studio Equipment *** office/studio 5 guitars seating for parents *** Travel Equipment *** I have my own guitar and curriculum. Students are expected to have their own instruments. *** Specialties *** Specializing in Rock, Folk, Country beginning guitar lessons. Focus on rhythm guitar, songwriting and performing. Incorporate music history and theory as well. VOICE CURRICULUM INCLUDES: VOCAL TECHNIQUE/KNOWLEDGE/MAINTENANCE: -Anatomy of the voice -Voice maintenance -Body awareness, relaxation and posture -Breath control and support -Tone creation and range building -Resonation -Tone placement -Diction MUSIC THEORY: -Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc) -Major and minor scales and key signatures -Intervals (major, minor, perfect) -Chord theory and harmonic analysis -Transposition -Aural and rhythm skills MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION: Have you ever how modern Western music formed and how it became what it is today? We’ll start with Ancient Greece, travel through the Middle Ages, learn about Classical composers such as Beethoven, and study different styles of music from Ragtime to today’s popular music all with listening examples to immerse you into the world of music history. SONGWRITING If you've grown tired of playing other people's music, then it’s time for you to get your songs on paper or recorded. I’ll teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs. Songwriting expands the limits of learning that merely playing another artist’s music cannot do. Tapping your "creative vein" is the ultimate path to learning music. MUSIC PERFORMANCE Alright, you've got knowledge, you've got skills and you've got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do. But before you hit the local area open mic or book a gig, let's talk about music performance. You’ll learn simple, effective techniques such as strong stage presence and audience rapport.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teacher's Studio
    Teacher's Studio
    SEE MAP
    Antonia Ford Court
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Tuesday
    7 AM-8:45 AM
    Wednesday
    7 AM-12 PM
    Thursday
    7 AM-12 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $46
    45 minutes
    $69
    60 minutes
    $92
    ReviewsWrite a review
    5
    94%
    4
    6%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
    0%
    4.9
    33 Reviews
    Kelly
    Student's home
    Great teacher! My daughter lover her guitar classes.
    Posted May 28, 2021
    Jessica
    Teacher's studio
    So far only taken one lesson, but I really enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm, and I loved that her classes have structure and homework and focus! Really looking forward to more lessons :)
    Posted Aug 7, 2020
    Lyle
    Student's home
    I decided to write an updated review after roughly a year of lessons. I feel fortunate to have connected with Lena as she has exactly the balance of skills I needed for my musical goals. Having an instructor that has performed live, that understands the realities of being on a stage, and can still give you all of the detailed work needed to improve vocals, songwriting, instrumentation... I really don't think you can go wrong here. You don't have to play live to get the benefit, but finding someone who can guide you through both music and performance was not an easy search. 5/5 rating from me.
    Posted May 19, 2020
    112233...1111Next >Next >

    Experience

    Lead singer/Guitarist/Songwriter

    Jan, 2000 - Present

    Numerous Original Rock Bands

    Performed live in the DC metropolitan area for over 15 years.

    Affiliations

    American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

    Jan, 2002

    The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.

    Music Teachers National Association

    Feb, 2015

    The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

    Languages

    English

    Native Proficiency

    Private Lessons

    • 1:1 lessons with a trusted instructor
    • 300+ subjects to choose from
    • Meet online or in person
    • Free on-demand videos and articles

    This teacher is not currently accepting students