Riverton Music Lessons

y of Chicago Symphony Orchestra for two years and took gigs as a classical and improvisational chamber musician throughout the city. In addition to my private studio, I was the primary cello instructor at Musical Chairs Studio, Inc. and Ortegan School of Music in Chicago.

I am also a percussionist and teacher with Salt Lake City's Samba Fogo, an afro-Brazilian music and cultural organization. I have studied Brazilian music with some of the major musicians and scholars in the field at California Brazil Camp in Cazadero, California. My training in percussion has brought an entirely new perspective to my musical practice that highlights rhythmic fluency and precision as a foundational element for both left and right hand stringed instrument technique.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am excited to offer lessons to people of all ages and ability levels and have experience teaching within and beyond the Suzuki Method approach.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s experience, individual needs, and most importantly, their goals! Lesson plans will combine interactive rhythmic, singing and listening exercises away from the instrument with music theory and technique-building exercises. The aim is to cultivate musicians with strong rhythmic, aural, and technical foundations and great problem solving skills that will open many doors as you or your child grow into your talent.

I aim to develop well-rounded musicians and performers by focusing on these 5 teaching priorities:
1. Balanced posture of body including instrument and bow hold
2. Balanced tone production or "tonalization"
3. A system of "perfect" or excellent intonation
4. Artistic musicianship in performance
5. Learning notes and bowings to new pieces

While learning notes and bowings is lowest on the priority list; it must be taught first! Fun listening games aid in the development of aural memory as I help students acquire listening skills that will stay with them for years to come and allow them learn to play any tune they can imagine. Once my students can do the note choosing on their own we are free to focus on the other teaching priorities during lesson time.

I also focus on teaching my students how to practice efficiently and use excellent problem solving skills! We want to get the MOST improvement with the LEAST amount of practice time. I like to combine practice at the instrument with games and exercises that can be done away from the instrument to give each student a degree of flexibility for those busy weeks when it's hard to find time to sit down and play. Students leave each lesson with a detailed practice plan that breaks down the difficult question of "what" and "how" to practice into a clear, concise checklist of familiar exercises. Students will also have suggested YouTube videos to watch some of the best musicians of all time and learn from their mastery of technique and musicality!

*** Additional Information***

I also have experience with extended and amplified cello techniques using loop and distortion pedals to layer and explore the variety and versatility of the cello.

*** Travel Equipment ***
2015 Subaru Forester that will get me to your lesson with all my instruments and any other equipment each and every time!

I travel to lessons with a music stand, metronome, and all teaching materials that would be present at a lesson taught in my home or studio.

sible for online students to participate. Accepting beginner to advanced drummers, come check it out.

While participating in the Prince William Community Band, I had the opportunity to learn to play some percussion instruments and played in that section for a couple years. I have been a music director for several years and enjoy arranging music. It is never to late to start learning if you have the desire and persistence.

lessons at a young age, so now I get excited to teach it. What I had as a young girl was the talent, and a wonderful church group who lived for music just like me. I was very excited when I started to get training to become a better singer myself, and to train others.

I am looking forward to become your new friend, and best vocal coach you have had in your life. See you in our studio or online.

Love always

Marj Desius

le school days, which I continue (percussion) to play today. I dabble with bass guitar, but didn't come from a guitar background, like so many that I know - the uke is my sole string passion!