Music Lessons

Individual and small group lessons are a great way for your child to learn how to sing or play an instrument. Arrangements are made directly with the instructors, which allows for flexibility in scheduling. Twice-yearly recitals provide all participants with chances to perform.

Individual Lessons

List of 9 items.

  • Rhea Chung—Piano, Viola, Violin

    Contact: RheaGChung@gmail.com

    Rhea began her violin studies at the age of five and piano studies at the age of two. She has continued to balance artistic achievement and philanthropy throughout her career; her performances have ranged from solo engagements with symphony orchestras to benefit concerts for cancer centers and galas.

    At the age of twenty, Rhea made her solo debut with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ankush Kumar Bahl with the Sibelius Violin Concerto. She has enjoyed returning to the Kennedy Center stage since moving back to the DC area as
    a substitute with the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.

    Rhea is committed to sharing her music outside the concert hall through her musical philanthropic efforts. As a bronze donor of the American Cancer Society, she has organized and performed concerts for the ACS and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at
    Johns Hopkins Hospital.

    Rhea studied with pedagogue Paul Kantor at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where she was the recipient of the Eula and David Wintermann Endowed Full Scholarship. Rhea enjoyed the challenge of completing an academic and musical
    education, as exemplified by her graduating position on the President’s Honor Roll with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees and a Business Minor. She has been teaching privately for over ten years, including as the first violin sectional coach of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras.

    Student Ages

    • Violin: four and up
    • Viola: four and up
    • Piano: four and up

    Scheduling

    Rhea will be at Lowell School on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact her to inquire about scheduling.
  • Charmaine Hamann—Voice

    Contact: chamann@lowellschool.org

    I received my MM in Vocal Performance and GPD in Opera from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. I also hold a BS in Music Education and a BM in Vocal Performance from the University of Connecticut. My opera performance highlights include The Portland Opera Resident Artists Program, the Evian Festival under the baton of Rostropovich, Opera to Go!, and the Baltimore and Washington Opera choruses. As a soloist, I have appeared with Annapolis Opera, Mt. Vernon 21st Century Ensemble, and the Columbia Symphony. 



    My vocal Instructors include Thom Hauser; Ruth Drucker, Stanley Cornett (Peabody Institute); and Carol Ann O’Connor (University of Connecticut). I studied choral techniques and sectional leading under Dr. Peter Bagley, a student of Julius Herford and teacher of world-renown choral conductor and composer Robert Shaw.

    Teaching Style

    As a seasoned music education specialist, I combine knowledge of differentiated instruction and a multiple sensory approach to learning with a bel canto or Italian classical approach to singing. I specialize in teaching to my students’ unique learning styles, whether visual, aural, tactile, or a combination. Voice lessons for students age 10+ (physical maturity dependent) combine learning proper posture, breath support and control, diction, and dramatic interpretation of the music. Vocal coaching for students age 8+ focuses on basic breath support, forming pure vowel sounds, matching pitch, executing rhythmic accuracy, clear diction, and dramatic delivery. My specialty is teaching voice in classical, Broadway musical, and pop music genres.

    Teaching Philosophy

    Music is a foreign language, science, and art form. It requires using both right- and left-brain modalities. Singing should be fun and engaging, building on successes and an understanding that it is a personal process that entails developing one’s confidence and ability over time.

    Student Ages

    • Vocal Coaching: eight and up
    • Voice Lessons:  ten and up

    Scheduling

    I am available on Tuesdays. Please contact me directly to negotiate a time for lessons.

    Required Materials

    All students must practice for at least 15 minutes a day. Parents must be willing to assist in making sure their child is practicing.
  • Corey Hewit—Percussion

    Contact: chewitt.drum@gmail.com

    I have been a full-time performer and educator of drum set and classical percussion for ten years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to perform worldwide with world-class musicians, including performances with international recording artists Erasure, Bobby Arvon, The Original Temptations, and supporting numerous finalists of The Voice competition in the Netherlands. I was employed as the drummer for various Holland America and Royal Caribbean cruise ships, where I performed every day in all styles of music. I also have performed at Olney Theatre, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, and the Red Branch Theatre Company. I have taught percussion for the last eight years at the renowned DC Youth Orchestra Program and drum set at various music stores in the Baltimore area.

    Teaching Style

    I believe that the fundamentals of making a good musician, especially a good drummer, rely on focusing on the details. I encourage students to challenge themselves while finding a love of and joy for music. We will spend much time playing along with a metronome, counting rhythms aloud, reading and preparing music, and working never to encounter “practice fatigue.” My experience in all styles of music, including jazz, pop, rock, Latin, funk, gospel, and classical, allows me to expose students to playing in every type of idiom and feeling comfortable while doing so. The most important thing about playing music is loving music; nothing inspires a love of music like setting and achieving goals.

    Required Materials

    I use various materials throughout lessons, such as method books, playing along to music, improvising with students, and writing my own teaching material. Each lesson is geared with that specific student in mind, and there will never be a general lesson plan for any student.
  • Gwen Mazorow—Piano

    Contact: gmazorow@lowellschool.org

    I have been teaching private piano lessons for 20+ years. I’ve been here at Lowell School for 12+ years. In the 2022-2023 School year, I became Director of After School Music.

    I teach complete beginners to the intermediate level. I have a way of finding fun in music education while helping students learn and connect to the piano.

    I was fortunate to learn from amazing musicians. I grew up close to Oberlin, OH, and have participated in many programs, lessons, and studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. This ignited a passion for music that shaped and influenced the rest of my life.

    Teaching Style

    My lessons are designed to suit the individual student and their specific needs. The objective is for students to find learning the piano fun and interesting. We concentrate on the basics of music literacy while including familiar, fun songs and styles. Through this relaxed, happy approach, students learn how to read music and the proper technique for playing the piano. Most importantly, students begin a lifelong love of the piano and music.

    The lessons cover basic note reading, theory, technique, and improvisation.

    Pianists under six enjoy fun improvisation and learn the musical alphabet, rhythms, note values, and proper hand positions as they begin their musical journey. I incorporate rhythm instruments and dancing for PrePrimary students.

    Student Ages

    Four and up

    Required Materials

    All students must have a piano or keyboard available at home for practicing. I prefer that they have an acoustic piano, but a keyboard is acceptable in the beginning. If you plan to buy a keyboard, please consult with me to find an instrument that will be suitable.

    I will help you select the other required books and materials.
  • Jeff Orrence—Guitar

    Contact: jeffreyorrence@gmail.com

    I have been teaching guitar and live band performance for several years professionally with an emphasis on structured theory study as well as having fun while learning songwriting and composition! I've been an active performer in the D.C. region, as that has been my main focus along with teaching private lessons and directing shows with groups of up to 30 students. After serving in the U.S. Army, I devoted myself to studying the art of music. 


    Teaching Style

    My lessons are set up to get my students feeling as close to a rock star as possible while going over the form of how songs are written, reading and understanding music with a strong support structure to keep learning fun as well as keeping the student engaged with positive reinforcement while learning the ins and outs of being a live musician. 

    The lessons cover music theory for guitar, learning many different styles of music including pop, classical, rock, and really any style of music that a student might be interested in learning. Each student will have customized lessons and material uniquely suited to their needs.

    Student Ages
    Seven and up.

    Required Materials

    All students must have a guitar available at home for practicing. 
  • Matt Papsch—DJ

    Contact: mattpapsch@gmail.com

    I am a drummer turned DJ with an appreciation of an eclectic range of music genres.
     
    I was a DJ instructor at MetaTrack Studios in Washington, DC, teaching students music theory, technology, and the components needed to build a cohesive live performance.
     
    I’ve been an active DJ in Baltimore and DC’s Electronic Dance Music scenes since 1995. I’ve played with numerous national and international DJs at some of the area’s biggest nightclubs. Beyond DJing, I’m also involved in hosting Drum and Bass events including selecting talent line-ups, negotiating with clubs and talent agencies, and providing ground support for the hired talent.
     
    Teaching Style
     
    Lessons are set up to provide a basic overview of DJ technology, including CDJs, turntables, and mixers, and will teach music theory and the fundamentals of beat-matching, phrasing, and programming. Instruction will include history of DJing with roots in hip-hop and house music, and students will be encouraged to explore different styles of electronic dance music. 
     
    Each student will learn how to use DJ equipment to build their confidence in a collaborative environment. Lessons will include DJ techniques for social occasions and events.
     
    Student Ages
     
    11 and up
     
    Scheduling
     
    TBD
     
    Required Materials
     
    All students must have a pair of CDJs and a mixer available for practice.
     
    Starter gear recommendations can be provided.
  • Maureen Walsh—Saxophone, Clarinet, Recorder, Pre Saxophone

    Contact: Maureen.S.Walsh1814@gmail.com

    The Washington Post has described Maureen Walsh as bringing “consummate skill and interpretative sensitivity to the Schmitt, capturing every ounce of its dusky innuendos and mystical exoticism” after a performance with the National Symphony Orchestra. Maureen was a prizewinner of the NSO young soloist competition, the Harold Randolf Prize, and the Baltimore Music Club competition. In June of 2022, she released a video album featuring opera fantasy suites arranged for the saxophone by Maureen and including original illustrations. She will continue to present innovative recitals with her pianist Thomas Pandolfi in the 2022-2023 season, as well as performing with the Capital Wind Symphony.

    Maureen studied at the Peabody Conservatory with Gary Louie and received 3 degrees there, including a master’s. She also studied with the iconic Donald Sinta at the University of Michigan.

    Currently, she maintains a private studio with in-person and online students from as far as Alaska! She is excited to join the staff at Lowell School and grow a saxophone program in such
    a welcoming environment.

    Teaching Style

    Maureen is a classical saxophonist, which simply means she uses techniques and tone qualities that you would find in classical music. She uses method books from traditional saxophone
    instruction with the Rubank series as the core but is now starting to incorporate elements of the Suzuki method into all of her teaching. Most importantly, Maureen will adapt the materials based on the age and maturity of the student.

    Teaching Philosophy

    During the first years of her teaching career, Maureen learned that there is one essential component to developing a young musician: inspiration. Before anything else, the student must be exposed to the best music possible. Studying the Suzuki method made it clear how important it is to model great music for the student and provide lots of positive reinforcement.

    This is a philosophy that seems to fit perfectly within the atmosphere at Lowell.

    Student Ages and Instruments

    • 5-10: Pre-saxophone or recorder with some intermediate options for older students (Venova plastic sax, clarinet, and alto recorder)
    • 10+: Saxophone and beginning clarinet

    If possible, it is helpful to have the parent present in the lesson from ages 5-10.

    Scheduling

    Maureen will begin teaching on Wednesdays from 2 pm — 6 pm and hopes to expand to other days. Please contact her directly to choose a time.

    Resources

    Maureen has a website for her music library, which will have assignments and recordings to listen to. For younger students, it is important to listen to the assigned recordings as often as possible.
  • Brian Weber—Brass, Drums/Percussion, Guitar, Piano, Tin Whistle, Ukulele

    Contact: bweber@lowellschool.org

    I have been instructing instrumental music in individual and group settings since 1996. I teach beginner to advanced students on guitar, bass, piano, trumpet, euphonium, ukulele, tin whistle, and drums/percussion. 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.

    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 and 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 Style

    I 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 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, which 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 Ages

    Piano: five and up
    Brass: eight and up
    Guitar: eight and up
    Ukulele: 
    Drums/Percussion: 
    Tin Whistle: 

    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 Materials

    All 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, many inexpensive keyboard options are available. Guitar and brass students must have an instrument they own or rent. 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 must have a manuscript book of music staff paper and a folder for loose pieces of sheet music and handouts.
    • Piano students will 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 Examples

    Beginner’s Guitar Starter Pack
    Beginner’s ¾ Size Acoustic Guitar
    Casio 61 Key Portable Keyboard
    Yamaha 61 Key Portable Keyboard
    Folding Wire Music Stand  
    Deluxe Traditional Music Stand
    Student Model Bb Trumpet
    Korg Chromatic Tuner
  • Diana Wensley—Brass

    Contact: dwensley@lowellschool.org

    I am a professional trumpet player, a member of the Lowell staff, and fairly new to the DC area. I hold three degrees in classical trumpet performance and have been performing across the East Coast and Midwest for over ten years with such groups as the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Spoleto Festival USA, and many others. During my years of study, I have been fortunate to teach beginner to college-age students who have participated in school ensembles, solo competitions, and much more.
     
    Teaching Style
    I believe in teaching students to teach themselves. The first step in this journey is fundamentals and good routines. Lessons are tailored for each individual and can cover everything from basic note reading and fingering to advanced brass technique. I encourage students to balance exercises with the music they love. Additionally, I hope my students develop the confidence and strategies that come with public performance.
     
    Scheduling
    I am available most days after school. Please contact me to confirm a regular lesson time.
     
    Required Materials
    Students must have an appropriate instrument and the opportunity to practice regularly without interruption. I can provide some printed music but may ask families to purchase music and accessories (like a music stand) from time to time. I am happy to discuss suggested purchases ahead of time and find alternative solutions as needed.

Bands and Ensembles

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  • Pop Band and Jazz Band

    Once your child has mastered the basics of their instrument and met specific skill requirements, they can join a musical ensemble. Ensembles have regular opportunities to perform at assemblies and concerts, which are some of the year’s most popular events.

    Students will be arranged in bands by the instrumental music coordinator. Bands will be arranged based on student availability, age, experience, and instruments. We will take preferences for bandmates into account, but they may not always be possible.

    Requirements
    • Guitar players must be able to play six chords, drummers must be able to play three rhythms, keyboard players must be able to play chords using guitar symbols, and lead singers must be studying voice/have previous experience/be recommended by a music teacher.
    • The electric bands will work on music chosen by the students with purely electric instruments (although brass instruments are also encouraged). Guitar players may be asked to take turns playing a beginner bass guitar part.
    • Players in the jazz band will need to have an interest in jazz and in learning to improvise.

    Fee

    $400 for 30 lessons (this includes the facilities fee)

    Want to sign up or have questions? Please contact the Music Administrator.

For More Information Contact

If you have any questions or need help finding a teacher who can work with your schedule, please contact our Music Administrator Gwen Mazorow.

Information

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • Payment Policy

    Payment for lessons is made directly to the teacher. Individual teachers set lesson rates. Please see their teaching bio on this page for details. Longer or shorter lessons may be pro-rated, depending per the instructor. Times for lessons are negotiated per instructor based on student’s ability and attention span. Please contact the instructor to arrange a payment schedule.

    All students must also pay a $150 yearly facilities charge per instrument studied, paid directly to Lowell School. The fee is broken into two $75 payments, which will be made through TADS.
  • Cancellation/Make-up Policy

    Each instructor has their own cancellation and make-up policy. Make-up lessons are considered on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the reason for the absence and the instructor’s availability, make-ups may or may not be possible. Please plan accordingly, as this greatly helps the student’s progress overall. Please give a 24 hours notice in advance of any cancellation.

    Please note: Once lessons have been scheduled and paid for, they are not refundable.
1640 Kalmia Road NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-577-2000
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. At Lowell students gain the knowledge, skills, and social-emotional literacy to be the bold leaders and creative problem solvers our world needs.