Middletown, VA Acoustic Guitar Lessons

the east coast, I found my life's work in 2003 when I began teaching music.

I've successfully taught hundreds of different students since 2003, from 5-year-olds with special needs to middle-aged professional opera singers, from a professor in Saudi Arabia to a 65-year-old doctor of music, from kids of Radio Disney to students of the famed Actors Studio in New York, from busy stay-at-home parents to retirees with bucket lists, from CEOs to touring singer-songwriters.

I've created and led a workshop about singing called, "The Whole Body Singer". I've written dozens of articles about music and music education for the blog at TakeLessons.com.

My extensive knowledge of the voice has encouraged and empowered hundreds of singers and prepared many of them to win competitions, pageants and auditions, as well as roles in operas and musicals.

Having both taught myself piano and received formal training at a conservatory has prepared me to teach almost anyone how to play.
The intensive training and education that I received at Westminster Choir College in songwriting, music theory and sight reading has benefited my students at every level.

My current work as singer and keyboardist in the acoustic rock duo, Timberwood, has strengthened my knowledge of a broad range of styles and genres. I have a strong commitment to continuing my education. That's why I recently (2014) studied songwriting online with the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In the lessons that I teach, I'm flexible, positive and encouraging. While I want my students to have fun and love music, not dread it, I expect hard work and persistence. I am caring, patient, nurturing, and compassionate. In piano lessons, I usually allow the student to choose a piece with which to warm up and then move on to technique and repertoire. In voice lessons, I usually warm up the singer and discuss technique and sight singing before focusing on song choices. Joan Frey Boytim wrote a book for voice that I like to use, and I like the Estelle Liebling exercises for the more advanced singer. Hanon exercises are a big part of my piano curriculum, and I enjoy the Bastien and Alfred books for young and old. I have used completely random songs pulled out of a piano bench and a karaoke CD for kids. I will use almost anything I can get my hands on if it means effectively teaching music.
Acting lessons consist of exercises and games that apply learned concepts, and monologue and audition coaching. Parents, siblings and spouses are always welcome to observe lessons quietly.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide an acoustic guitar to bring to both voice and guitar lessons. I expect my piano students to have a piano, an organ or a keyboard.

***Home Studio Equipment***
In my home studio, my students will have access to an acoustic guitar, an electronic keyboard, an acoustic piano and PC audio recording.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical, country, pop and musical theater singing, classical and pop/rock/chordal style piano, and sightreading, including solfege syllables. I enjoy using Estelle Liebling as my voice method and Hanon for piano technique. My education includes coursework in jazz and pop theory and songwriting from both Westminster Choir College and the Berklee College. Teaching special needs individuals is also one of my specialties, and one that I highly enjoy. I've been trained in Meisner technique, and have experience in both theater acting and musical theater.

studio, or online lessons.

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

Degrees:
Doctorate of Musical Arts: Guitar Performance; Shenandoah University, expected May 2017/2018
Master of Music: Guitar Performance; University of Akron, May 2014
Bachelor of Music: Guitar Performance; Stetson University, 2011

While giving lessons:
I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp it's purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?
My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available if needed:

Foot stools
Music stands
Pencils
Complete home recording studio
Computer/tablet/smartphone w/ internet
Speakers and playback devices
Reference books

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student is expected to bring with them (if applicable):

Notebook or log
Reference/score materials
Instrument(s) and case
Accessories
Portable sound recorder (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz and Rock Styles.

Performance, Music Theory, Arranging, Composition.

Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc.

nd Guitar (acoustic and electric). I teach nearly all styles of music, including classical, jazz, funk, and rock. I have graduated from Stetson University with degrees in Digital Arts, Music, and Business.

I am also an accomplished computer musician and sound engineer. I am fluent in a range of professional software programs which includes Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Amadeus Pro, Cubase, and MaxMSP. I have done sound for large national touring acts such as Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, and Matt Costa.

I feel that nothing is impossible. Great results aren't given, they are earned, and I know how to set goals to reach those results. This is a virtue I like to share with students. My dedication to music has helped me accomplish much at a young age.

*** Lesson Details ***
All lessons accommodate the unique needs of the student. My lessons don't merely teach you musical theories: I will teach you how to express yourself through your instrument as you learn those theories. You will gain technical knowledge and the tools to experience your musical potential. Lessons with me are the perfect extra-curricular activity for your child, or a great experience for you. A large part of my curriculum is more than learning how to play a few cover songs. The lessons are also about becoming more confident with yourself as a person and developing character along the way. You will learn about the discipline, patience, and dedication that it takes to stand out among professionals, not just as a musician, but as a strong individual. Music is a part of that. What you play becomes an extension of yourself. Young or old, everyone has something to share with the world through music.

In a given lesson, you can expect half of it to be about the basics of your instrument and the literature for reading music. The other half is about how you can apply these principles in a unique way that relates to yourself. However, the lesson is all about the student. If the student wants to learn in different ways that is never a problem. All I ask is that you're eager to learn! Everybody has different musical tastes and different learning styles. That is what makes every musician unique and every lesson exciting.

I enjoy teaching people of all ages 5 and up and have experience teaching groups or individuals. From beginner or experienced, hobbyist or professional, every person has a place in the wonderful world of music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate studio: computer, recording gear, mics, amps, keyboard, guitars, bass, drum kit

*** Travel Equipment ***
When traveling to their house I ask students to provide their necessary performance materials, i.e. drumset, guitar and amp, essential books, etc. I always provide all necessary teaching equipment, i.e. computer, additional guitars.

*** Specialties ***
Drums- Funk, Jazz, Classic Rock, Metal, Punk, Blues, Hip-Hop
Guitar/Bass- Funk, Blues, Metal, Rock, Hip-Hop
Music Recording/Songwriting- Electronic Music/electro-acoustic, Rock, Funk

) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

it. So let's find what makes YOU excited about music, and let's figure out out to make you great at it.

ey don’t recognize it right away, they are so fortunate to have your support. As the founder and owner of NOVA Music Academy, I believe that children always win when parents and teachers unite to provide support. We hope that by inviting you into the NOVA Music Academy family, your unique child will find joy in learning music and grow to appreciate the deeply expressive power of art for a lifetime.

I can personally attest to the joy that music has brought my life, including full scholarships for a bachelors, master's and doctoral degree and I could never have done it without my amazing flute teachers. I'm looking forward to repaying their investment into the next generation of musicians, I sincerely hope your child is one of them! My website contains a full bio, resume, and recordings of my playing and testimonials from parents and students.