Music Performance Lessons in Leesburg. Amazing Teachers.

Dennis is a fabulous teacher! I took lessons for 2 (?) years from him in high school, entering with decent knowledge of music from other instruments but only beginner-intermediate guitar skills from self-teaching and guitar class in school (what a joke). From the very start he adjusted to my level, asking me to play something I knew and identifying the chords that I had (unknowingly) played, and creating an exercise for me to practice new chords at home. Lessons were nothing but fun and informative; Dennis is a great conversationalist and incredibly knowledgeable about music theory. His lessons are full of variety: scales (different positions and modes), progressions (written on the spot by Dennis), improvisation (with live accompaniment), transcriptions (of your favorite songs), and learning from the book. Looking back, I progressed immensely under Dennis’s tutelage, from barely playing barre chords to writing my own music in different modes! It certainly doesn’t hurt that Dennis treats his students as equals, and that his home is always welcoming. He’s invested, not the type of teacher to chase you off once your “time’s up.” If I hadn’t gone off to college, I’d still be taking lessons from him for sure! Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for enjoyable, enriching guitar lessons.

Dennis has a great comprehensive approach to teaching guitar. He helps you understand the nuances of the instrument, and provides specific instruction based on your individual needs. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and shares anecdotes about those experiences to help better understand topics relevant to your own personal pursuit of improved playing.

Even if you aren't sure exactly what you want to get out of lessons, Dennis is quick to provide material that will help you improve your skills. They are laid out in a clear way and act as a great resource to add to your collection of practice material.

I'm happy I took lessons with Dennis, and others should definitely work with him if looking for a laid back atmosphere and a steady pace of improvement and understanding.

Dennis was my instructor and is a bit modest about his experience. He taught me on my mom's crappy nylon stringed spanish acoustic guitar back in the 80s. I hope he reads this and remembers the little studios at Fox's Music in Falls Church. He patiently taught me Rick Springfield songs, probably against his taste and better judgment. Anyway, he got me started in my teens and I'm still playing some of the tunes he taught me (plus a few hundred others) on a slightly nicer guitar these days, in my 40s. Keep rockin', Dennis, and thanks for helping spark a hobby I still enjoy decades later!

Marvin is an excellent instructor who works with your skill level and customizes teaching accordingly. He also gives homework to your range and tips depending on your schedule. Goal is to have fun, learn, and one of your favorite songs.

Marvin has been a wonderful instructor. Patient yet sets high expectations for us, which pushes us to meet those expectations. In just a few lessons I can already see a lot of improvement. He's professional and reliable, and a pleasure to work with. We've very much enjoyed taking lessons with him.

Marvin has taught guitar to my 2 sons for 4 years. Marvin is very easy going and has a relaxed and fun approach to teaching. My boys enjoy learning from Marvin. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a guitar teacher.

My 14 year old daughter enjoyed Aleksis’ laid back but knowledgeable style. Highly recommended for teenagers.

Aleksis taught three consecutive lessons to our 9, 11, and 14 year old - two piano and one guitar. He was professional, patient, and fun. Kids enjoyed having him so off to a good start.

Wonderful instructor.

Michelle not only knows music but based on my 50+ years in education, she also is has a very good grasp in the mechanics of education. The lesson was excellent!

Michelle makes my banjo playing easier and easier. I am feeling very comfortable. She points out all the bad habits I should not do, that is good for later down the road.

I waited after a few lessons to give feedback. Very pleased. Kevin is full of knowledge -both relevant to music and other random fun facts! He is patient and will move at whatever pace you prefer. I look forward to continuing to improve my skills under his direction.

He is a good instructor. Easy to talk to.

Meeting John was great, very friendly and professional and to the point, which is my cap of tea and he suggested to get a weighted keys piano to strengthen my fingers, I’m looking into one
Thanks John I will recommend you as a teacher
Jose G Garcia

John is a fantastic instructor. He has a love for educating others on musical expression and he is a wellspring of musical knowledge. He provides a depth to the piano that I wouldn't have noticed if I taught myself how to play.

John emphasized how to shape musical phrases to make music as opposed to a collection of notes. He had a good ear for honing in on my weaknesses such as how some notes that I played stuck out or the movement of my arms. Most importantly, he taught me how to approach practicing the piano in an effective way. I learned how to listen to myself and how give each note, phrase, and piece the attention and musicality it needed to sound beautifully.

For an adult learner as myself, he was accommodating with how busy I was. He adjusted to my needs and work schedule and taught at a reasonable pace. However, he also never veered from his expectations and praised what I was doing right and provided methods to fix what I was doing wrong.

Although there were times when John expressed his passion for music by delving into tangents on the broader historical significance of pieces, his mini-lectures were never irrelevant nor inappropriate. For example, he commented on how in waltzes, the rhythm on the left hand would need to emulate how a Romantic era string section would play it. For anyone who is serious about how or why pieces of music are meant to be played in a certain way, John is great about contextualizing pieces to make them sound great.

Most importantly, he made practicing piano something that was both enjoyable and challenging, which is difficult to find in a teacher. I owe a great deal of my musicianship to John and he met my expectations of learning the piano. Thank you!

John is really great. He takes the time to understand what your goals are and teaches according to your needs. He is patient and provides constructive comments.