About
I've been teaching since 2013, both from my home studio and at Jessica's Music Studio in Manassas and have loved every minute of it. I really enjoy the look on my students' faces when something clicks and I get really excited when we make progress.
I've also been a paid musician on Ft. Belvoir for the various religious services since 2011 as the tenor section leader in the traditional choir and since 2015 I've been accompanying both Catholic and Protestant services.
Not only do I love teaching voice and piano lessons, I also really like to get into music theory and composition. If there is something you'd like to focus on or learn more about I am all about it and will try to gear my lessons towards whatever goals you may have.
Reviews
Austin J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is mostly a get-to-know-you where I figure out what the student is there for, what their goals are, how advanced they are and then some basic introductory exercises and/or theory work depending on if you're doing piano or voice. I try to do my best to cater to the student's skill level so each person's lessons will be different from another's.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been playing the piano since I was 7 and I threw myself into the vocal scene towards the end of high school. I initially went to the University of Mary Washington for computer science, but when I realized that I really wanted to do music I knew that UMW wasn't for me. I came back up here and trained with some wonderful vocal coaches from the Catholic University of America before I got my first teaching job at Jessica's Music Studio in Manassas, Virginia. I've been teaching down there ever since.
I also am an active performing musican for churches and sing/accompany weddings and funerals on a fairly regular basis. I've been on contract with Ft. Belvoir since 2011.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard price is $30 per half hour, double for an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I had always had a knack for tutoring and helping out friends in various subjects in school and I also coached a little bit of soccer, so when my friend suggested I try teaching it came almost naturally to me. He's the one who got me an interview at Jessica's Music Studio and it's been my passion ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with students of all creeds - young, old, brand new, intermediate, somewhere in between. I've taught students as young as 4 and as old as 70. There's no such thing as being too old, it may just take you a bit longer than the youngsters!
If you feel that your voice isn't good enough:
1) that's what lessons are for, and
2) you'll never know until you give it a shot
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my goals?
Why am I taking lessons?
How dedicated/motivated am I?
Will I have time to practice?