Herndon, VA Music Theory Lessons

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.

signed around the needs of each student. The first lessons is always spent testing range, knowledge and abilities already known by the student. Then the student weighs in on what kind of music they would like to learn and what they hope to gain from the lessons. Theory and ear training are incorporated into the lessons. We work on breathing, technique and style. Generally we start with English or Italian. We work on vocal performance from a classical standpoint but Jazz and Broadway can also be taught if desired by the student. Scales and exercises are given each week to be worked on until the next lesson. A recording device is encouraged if the student cannot play the piano. Also, a voice note book to take notes during the lesson to be used during practice during the week.

*** Specialties ***
classical voice and jazz voice.

as possible.
In a few months a student should be able to read music and play simple melodies and chords.

*** Specialties ***
I teach classical as well as pop, providing a broad foundation that allows the student to play any style of music.

is unique and individualized to each student. I set personalized goals to make every lesson a success, and I push my students to get the most out of themselves just like I do myself. I'm always enthusiastic and humor driven to create a personable learning environment for students of any age. Music is my life, and I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to share my greatest passion with the hope that my students, too, will fall in love with music!

*** Lesson Details ***
My lesson environment is laid back and stress-free. I like my students to feel inspired and encouraged as they begin or continue their music education. I introduce fun and innovative ways to build students' musicianship and creativity while retaining classical methods to develop strong technique and proper performance and practice habits.

For beginners, we'll be exploring the basics of either piano, or voice, while focusing on proper technique, basic theory, and a solid skill set. Within 3-6 months, my students are able to read music and understand the language of it.

For intermediate-advanced, we'll focus on building musicianship and skill sets by furthering studies in music theory, varying styles of repertoire, proper techniques that will greatly improve your piano and/or voice abilities, songwriting, improvisation, and live performance skills.

I ask that my students come prepared to every lesson with the motivation and commitment to learn something new each week! Lessons are a fun and creative way to discover yourself as an artist and a person, so let's get started!!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Kawai CN25 Upright Electric Piano, 13" MacBook Pro and iPad mini (Apple), A-Audio Elite HD Headsphones, BeatsStudio Studio Headphones (beats by dr. dre) and G900DX Studio Headphones (Gear One).

earning style." I use whatever resources are available to reinforce musical concepts. I am patient, and laid back. I want my students to feel comfortable, and know that they can be themselves when they are working with me. Most of all what a student can expect is a teacher who is interested in them, their progress, and making the our time together as enjoyable as possible. I believe that I help students see the joy music brings to their lives.

I have always felt that one of my greatest strengthens is my ability to interact with children and adults, and I hope that I can continue to share my love of music in the coming years.

Experience

During high school I participated in A Cappella Choir, and joined a global performing group, called "Up With People" that traveled locally and statewide. I was active in high school music productions and I studied privately voice and piano.

Since then, I have continued to sing with community based choral groups throughout the Washington, DC region. I have also assisted as an piano accompanist for a small local church.

Education

I graduated from George Mason University, with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts. While attending the University, I sang with the university choir and studied classical piano under the tutelage of Jacequeline Schmitt. I was because of her that I developed an interest in piano technique.

During and after college I studied with a private voice instructor from Catholic University, where I learned classical voice.
I am currently working with a Takelessons teacher to maintain my skill.

I am also currently working on being certified as a Music Color teacher through an online course written by Andrew Ingkavet. I also received training and certification as a Music for Young Children, a program designed for early keyboard beginners.

I have continued to broaden my personal education by taking online courses, such as reharmonization of chords. I have also attended workshops, sponsored by the Piedmont music club, on how to incorporate improvisation into my lesson plans.

Lesson Details

I use a variety of methods for teaching piano. I do not restrain my approach to one method, but draw on resources from other methods and approaches.

I include music theory, ear training and piano technique into the lesson. While I am a classically trained pianist, I do not stick to that style of music. I believe that exposing the student to all types or styles of music broadens their education.

I use the computer and any apps that are available to further my students skills on the keyboard.

Within six months I would hope that the student would feel more comfortable at the piano. I would expect him to learn posture at the piano, including hand position. I would expect that his knowledge of the right and left hand notes would become more proficient, and that he would understand what the staff is. I would expect that he understands keyboard geography, distance between notes, the concept of high/low, dynamics, and patterns (both directional and melodic). I would add two-handed playing, at a very basic level. This, of course, would depend upon the student's pace and how much effort is put into the learning of the instrument.

My goal is to create a fun and lively learning environments, that with patience, will result in a life long love of music and the personal benefits it imparts.

Studio Equipment

lessons in dedicated music room in basement; computer with electronic piano and keyboard;

: theory fundamentals, exercises, and performance practice. Within each lesson, I incorporate visuals, games, and other media. Live performances are also highly encouraged.

My student's would say that my lessons are motivational and packed with energy. I always follow up with parents to discuss progress, and the student's mandatory log book helps to keep everyone informed of what is expected each week.

*** Instruments/Equipment ***
I provide only equipment that I will personally use for the lesson (books, audio, and instrument). I do not provide instruments, electronic equipment (i.e. amps, cords, keyboards, speakers, computer, etc), books, or sheet music. I expect my students to have or purchase all the materials they will need.

*** Specialties ***
I also offer ear training, songwriting, vocal arranging and music production workshops for artists interested in pursuing a career in the music industry.

ythm and harmony find their way into the inner places of the soul." - Plato

yboard harmonies.
In 2000, I worked for the Jewish Primary Day School (Grades K – 6), where I introduced the conceptual structure of music, focusing on melody, rhythm, and harmony and their expressive and stylistic organization. Program objectives included: 1) ability to listen with discrimination, 2) ability to sing on pitch within a limited range, 3) ability to play simple rhythm and melodic instruments, 4) ability to interpret music through body movements, impersonations, and dramatizations, and 5) ability to associate symbols of musical notation with musical concepts.

Today, I perform professionally and provide private online and offline piano instruction for children and adults.

ve gone on tour twice before. I specialize in electric bass and music theory, but am quite comfortable teaching beginner to intermediate guitar.