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

ment when seated at the piano.etc

*** Studio Equipment ***
basement studio: music stands, chairs, basses, keyboard (88 keys and weighted), tenor saxophone,guitars, 24 track recording console additional seating for parents. ,

wellness center: private room, music stands, keyboard (88 keys and weighted). waiting area for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have a piano/keyboard or whatever instrument that is needed for that lesson.

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. I DO ask that a parent sit in on the lesson for my under age 10 students, at the beginning for sure, then at the child/parent's discretion. 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, Ukulele

*** 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

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

guitar, you can take a longer weekly lesson and have both subjects covered! Weekly assignments are given and checked to see if done before proceeding to the next step! I do not recommend students come every other week. I recommend one lesson per week.

*** Travel Equipment ***
guitar and books. Student provides their guitar during lesson and for piano, must have a piano or keyboard at home for practice.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping young worship leaders hone their gifts. I enjoy preparing people for their musical theatre performances.

k, R&B, and jazz. Trained by some of the best artists and teachers in Virginia and Texas, I have gained extensive knowledge in vocal pedagogy that has allowed me to become versed in numerous styles and crossover genres. Contact me and we can discuss in more detail want you are looking for in a voice teacher, your vocal goals and experiences, as well as availability and location details. Do not miss the opportunity to work with someone who is really dedicated to nurturing voices and serving art in a down to earth way and will get you where you want to go fast.

s can be at my house or yours.
Thanks!
Sam

mpany that I direct and sing in as well. So I'm a performer, and a small business owner! So come see what I can offer!