I have been instructing instrumental music in both individual and group settings since 1996. I teach beginner to advanced students on guitar, bass, piano, trumpet, euphonium, and hand drumming. I have taught at various locations and schools, including Glen Music Studios, Victor Litz Music Center, Hebrew Academy of Greater Washington, House of Musical Traditions, and Lowell School.
Throughout each year, I organize various concerts and shows for students to showcase their talents and give them an outlet to have fun and perform in front of an audience. I am also the Director of the Takoma Groove Camp, a summer camp for teen musicians.
I have played in various concert, marching, and jazz bands, as well as pit orchestras. I studied with master musicians at Montgomery College, the Collective in New York City, and Victor Wooten's Camps in Nashville. I perform in and around the DC area weekly and am also a live sound engineer.
Teaching StyleI believe music is a language and should therefore be approached as one. All aspects of music are equally important, including reading, writing, playing, listening, understanding theory, communicating with other musicians, and improvisation. I think it is necessary to keep interest and drive alive in budding musicians and not overwhelm them with too much theory and technique right away.
Just as a spoken language is supported and encouraged at home, so should a musical instrument and the language that goes along with it. Time should be allotted at home for practice and listening, as this is integral for a young person's musical growth.
For my teaching, I prefer to pull from a variety of sources to give a well-rounded approach. I introduce many genres to help students develop a broad range of styles to enjoy playing. I cater each lesson to the individual student to allow for the most enjoyment and growth in their musical career.
Student AgesPiano: five and up
Brass: eight and up
Guitar: eight and up
I will make exceptions if a student is younger and already showing signs of a higher ability level. Individual lessons are preferable, as they allow for focused attention and pace for that particular student. I am open to small groups of two or three for guitar or brass lessons if the students have prior experience. Piano students must be taught individually.
Scheduling I am available for lessons on Friday afternoons from 3:20–7:00 pm, and 11:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturdays.
Required MaterialsAll students must have a decent instrument in working condition that is theirs to use at all times and can be taken home to practice on. If the family of a piano student does not own a full-size piano, there are many inexpensive keyboard options available. Guitar and brass students must have an instrument that they own or have rented. Younger, beginning guitar students should consider a nylon string 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar as it will be easier on the fingers and easier to hold against their bodies.
- All students will be required to have a manuscript book of music staff paper and a folder for loose pieces of sheet music and handouts.
- Piano students will most likely also have another set of method and theory books.
- Guitar students must have a chromatic tuner, picks, and a music stand.
I will often purchase the books needed and hand them out to students. I will then let parents know exactly how much the materials cost and collect reimbursement at that time.
Links to Instrument and Accessory ExamplesBeginner's Guitar Starter Pack Beginner’s ¾ Size Acoustic GuitarCasio 61 Key Portable Keyboard Yamaha 61 Key Portable Keyboard Folding Wire Music Stand Deluxe Traditional Music Stand Student Model Bb Trumpet Korg Chromatic Tuner