Portsmouth, VA Music Theory Lessons

ow to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music. There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn? Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or on line.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

and more eager to share and more and more open to the possibilities ahead.

*** Lesson Details ***
I listen well to my students. They are free and encouraged to express their goals and soon, they become more and more comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves.

My teaching style is natural, relaxed and yet, very enthusiastic, all at the same time. I have patience in abundance and my continual student affirmation is well received. I give most attention to personalizing instruction for each of my students. My passion for musical expression is contagious and readily shared. It is a joy to teach music, to contribute to the growth and delight that I witness through a student's progress.

I have taught music to both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels. My teaching approach remains the same, save for the goals that suit the specific student, which we discover early on, sometimes even at the first session, together, right from the start. My beginning students receive the attention necessary to encourage their desire to persevere, which includes positive feedback (which is abundant) and a teaching style that fits his/her level of learning. My student's success is my goal. This is my jubilant mission.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, guitars,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I own 4 guitars, 1 classical, 2 acoustic/electric, and 1 electric, which I can provide for the lesson, if necessary.
I own a Baldwin Acrasonic piano.

The students will need to buy their books.

*** Specialties ***
Methods: Clear presentation of the instrument and the most comfortable way to achieve the best playing results. Emphasis on Theory including chords and improvisation.

Styles: From Classical to Broadway to Folk to Rock to Jazz to Blues.
Genres: All

p people get better at sounding like themselves.

During lessons from me, you can expect to play, sing, clap your hands, and become completely immersed in the music you love. Whether your goal is to perform in front of an audience, record albums, or just play for fun in your living room, I'll help you make that happen.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room, seating available, street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I only teach students who provide their own instrument. I am willing to provide a loaner guitar for the week if a student's instrument needs to be repaired or is not accessible for any reason. I also provide homework when necessary :)

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching confidence in performance practices, technique, singing and playing, and good microphone habits for singing, speaking, recording, and songwriting. I teach based on student needs, and I find each student benefits from a different curriculum.

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Boston Baby Grand - Teaching Room A
Yamaha Upright - Teaching Room B
Janssen Upright - Classroom

understanding music, but I also teach you how to sense the emotions in music as well as using your ear. I believe that each student has his or her own personal musical journey. I'm sensitive to that and want to give each student a head start on that journey. Teaching another person how to play, understand, and feel music is something that makes me come alive."

*** Studio Equipment ***
I own two digital pianos, both with weighted keys. And I recommend that each of my students has a piano of their own with weighted keys.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If need be I can bring a digital piano with me for in-home lessons.

***Booking Lessons***
When booking lessons please contact me beforehand to make sure I can accommodate your schedule. My calendar changes on a weekly basis.

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I usually have 3 main paths that the student can choose.
1st - Learn the instrument enough so you can play your favorite songs and have fun with friends.
2nd(most requested) - Learn the instrument from scratch. Study technique, repertoire, a little of reading and music theory and learn how to improvise. This will allow the person to have their own tools to study on their own after attending classes with me.
3rd - Usually people who have been playing before like this one. We will go deep in music theory, ear training, reading, improvising and technique. Always leaning challenging tunes that will develop the student skills. This one allows the student to follow a professional path on the future, or maybe go into a music college.

*Location
Classes can take place at my studio or at your own location with an extra fee for transportation.

*Under 18 students
For children under 18 parents are more than welcome to stay for the classes, tell me if there is any specific goal you are looking for or talk about any subject that you might want.

*AUDITION PREP
I also help people to prepare for auditions. For this subject, I will tell you how to get ready for an audition. If you are trying to get in a college I have many contacts around the country and know how most auditions work and can help you with any question there might be. For auditions for orchestras or band we can work on repertoire and behavior to get you ready and all set to get accepted.

a poet, songwriter, and composer, I want to share what I've learned about improvisation, refining raw ideas, and getting ideas from one's mind onto the page. Creative expression is a tremendously important part of life, and understanding the foundations of music can help us appreciate and interact with it on a higher, more fulfilling level!

My studio is in Hilltop, Virginia Beach. I am comfortable teaching a variety of styles and ages - nothing is too "out there" for me! I look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve your goals!

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