Private Lessons
Music on the Hill offers weekly private lessons in the DC area for students ages 6 and up. All of our teachers are highly experienced and qualified music educators. We do not take a summer vacation, but teach throughout the summer.
30-Minute Lesson | $53/Lesson
45-Minute Lesson | $77/Lesson
60-Minute Lesson | $100/Lesson
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Music on the Hill’s Recurring Lesson Membership entitles all students to a reserved time on their music instructor’s schedule. Members will be charged a flat fee per lesson on the 25th of the month for the upcoming month.
Music on the Hill does not work on a semester schedule. Music on the Hill will assume a student is continuing and charge them for the next month unless told otherwise.
If Music on the Hill fails to offer a lesson in any given month, they will compensate the student in the form of a credit toward next month’s membership charge. Reasons for cancellations may be a holiday, weather emergency, or teacher cancellation where Music on the Hill cannot provide a substitute.
Music on the Hill does not follow the DCPS schedule. We will be open and giving lessons for many federal holidays like Columbus Day, and MLK Day, as well as most snow days and spring break. Please assume your teacher is at Music on the Hill and your lesson is happening. The front desk at Music on the Hill will be happy to confirm and/or clarify any questions about your lesson, please call and double check.
Students have the option to take their lesson virtually over Zoom for any reason. Students must inform the front desk no later than 1:00 the day of their lesson to ensure that the teacher has enough time to prepare for a virtual lesson.
In the event of an unavoidable conflict, please notify Music on the Hill as soon as possible and we will try to find an available time to reschedule. The best way is to email lessons@musiconthehilldc.com or info@musiconthehilldc.com, or calling the front desk (202) 733-3158.
Makeup lessons must be held within the month of the missed lesson. There is no “carry-over” of makeup lessons, even if your teacher does not have any availability during that time. During the school year, many of our teachers are at 90% to 100% capacity, so Music on the Hill recommends students have reasonable expectations about scheduling makeup lessons- we cannot give you time that our teachers do not have.
Music on the Hill does not issue refunds or credits for missed lessons.
All lesson cancellations submitted before 9am the day of the lesson will be eligible for a makeup. Any lesson cancellations submitted after, or not at all, will not be rescheduled.
To cancel a Music on the Hill Recurring Lesson Membership, the student or student’s parent MUST inform the Front Desk via email of their intention to cancel the membership 15 days before they want to end their lessons. They will then complete any remaining lessons in that 15-day period. Music on the Hill does not charge any cancellation fees or penalties.
Music on the Hill will not discuss scheduling or billing with any person who is not listed as a “Scheduling Contact” and/or a “Billing Contact”. All scheduling and billing contacts must be over 18 years old. No one outside of these lists can make any changes to the schedule or account, no matter how minor. Parents of teenage students must communicate with the front desk directly, not through their child.
All students must have an active credit card on file at all times. Students will be issued a $20 late fee if Music on the Hill has been unable to charge their card by the 7th of the month.
Meet the Teachers
Piano
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Dejeria Briggmon is a distinguished mezzo-soprano and music educator with a Bachelor of Music inPerformance from the University of the District of Columbia. With concentrations in jazz and specializations in classical and gospel repertoire, she brings a diverse and well-rounded approach to vocal and piano instruction. Ms. Briggmon has served on the faculty of esteemed institutions including the National Conservatory of the Arts and the International School of Music, and has held leadership roles such as Artistic Director of the Washington Youth Choir. A member of the Recording Academy, NAMM, and the Jazz Education Network, she remains an active performer and committed mentor to aspiring musicians.
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Teo Nouve is a Washington, D.C.-based vocalist, pianist, and composer. As a performer, he has toured internationally with the American University Chamber Singers and has been featured at prominent local venues such as The Kreeger Museum and Union Stage. A pianist since early childhood, Teo began singing in adolescence and has since developed a versatile musical practice spanning performance, composition, and teaching. He has recorded with several local pop/commercial acts and finds consistent work performing as a classical musician.
As an educator, Teo has experience teaching private lessons, leading group classes, and conducting a youth choir. He is well-versed in a variety of pedagogical approaches and enjoys introducing different musical genres to his students, while emphasizing a strong technical foundation. As a composer, he enjoys exploring the intellectual and creative aspects of music, believing they help to cultivate well-rounded students.
In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Teo has held roles in music programming and production at The Kennedy Center, The Anthem, and the National Gallery of Art. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from American University.
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Austin Robinson is a classically trained pianist with a master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Catholic University of America and over a decade of experience teaching both classical and popular music. His dynamic career blends a deep foundation in classical performance with a rich background in American roots music. During his teenage years, Austin performed with country and rock bands across the Southeast, with appearances in Nashville, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Notable performances from this time include the Riverbend Music Festival, multiple broadcasts on the WDVX Blue Plate Special, and concerts at the Barking Legs Theater, the Tennessee Theatre, and the Tivoli Theatre.
Driven by a passion for classical music, Austin earned full scholarships for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His classical career includes performances at prestigious festivals such as the Eastern Music Festival, Atlantic Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, the Washington International Piano Series, and the Lancaster International Piano Festival. He was a prizewinner in the LIPF Chamber Music Competition, the Finlandia International Piano Competition, and a semifinalist in the Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition. He has also participated in masterclasses with renowned pianists Christopher Taylor and Awadagin Pratt, and was later accepted as a private student of Christopher Taylor. Through his principal teachers—Dr. Esther Park and Dr. Ivo Kaltchev—Austin can trace his pianistic and pedagogical lineage directly to Liszt and Beethoven.
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Sarah Fredrick is a pianist, cellist, teacher, and composer. She studied music at the College of William & Mary and draws on classical, Appalachian folk, and contemporary Jewish music traditions in her teaching and performance. She is a resident musician at Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington, DC and the pianist for the studio of vocal professor Jennifer Casey Cabot. Sarah is a longtime volunteer and music instructor for the Interplay Orchestra, an ensemble for musicians with disabilities. She is dedicated to helping students of all ages and stages build joyful and meaningful connections to music.
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Chelsea Wright comes to Music on the Hill with a background in keyboard performance and music theory. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Oregon, as well as a Master’s degree in Music Theory from the University of Colorado-Boulder and a B.A. in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Piano and Harpsichord Performance. She has studied piano with Anthony DeMare and Bari Mort and harpsichord with Barbara Baird, Elizabeth Farr, and Carsten Schmidt. Chelsea has performed as a recitalist and with university chamber and baroque ensembles in Eugene OR, Boulder, and Bronxville, NY and has premiered harpsichord works written by Eugene composers. She is especially interested in music composed by women. As a theorist, Chelsea has presented at conferences across the country and maintains an active research agenda.
In lessons with Chelsea, students will develop as pianists through playing, singing, and other forms of creative music-making. Chelsea works with students to develop practice strategies that help them become more independent musicians. She loves guiding students of all ages on their musical journeys and supporting them through the joys and challenges of the art.
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
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Brian Falkowski is a versatile musician who can be heard performing with a wide variety of groups at many top venues throughout the DC, MD and NOVA area. In 2007 he graduated Cum Laude with a B.M. in Saxophone Performance from the University of Maryland, College Park. While a student at Maryland he was a semifinalist in the 2004 Fishoff Chamber Music Competition, and was awarded Grand Prize for the 2005 Mu Phi Epsilon Soloist Competition. Upon graduation he was fortunate to travel the world while playing many styles of music on various cruise ships. Since returning to the DC area, Brian has maintained an active career performing, recording, and teaching privately. He currently teaches saxophones, flute, clarinet, jazz improvisation and composition.
Drumset & Percussion
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Paul DeCastro is a Washington, DC native with over 20 years of teaching and performing experience. Having been raised in a musical family, Paul’s influences range from jazz, rock, Afro-Cuban, and R+B among many other genres. After studying jazz improvisation privately and at Northern Community College, Paul has performed with a range of groups locally and regionally. While always having had intrigue in Latin American music, Paul would become fanatically intrigued with the music of Cuba. After performing with Orquesta Ashe, Paul would later become a co-founder of Timba Street, who performed at many festivals as well as the Kennedy Center, and the Cuban Interests Section among other clubs and venues.
Paul offers instruction on beginning snare drum with a focus on rudiments as well as drum set and various hand percussion including but not limited to congas and bongos. Paul offers a solid methodology of learning drum set with an emphasis on fundamentals, counting, and coordinated independence.
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Ben Tufts has played over 1200 shows in the past eight years alone, with 100+ bands and artists, covering the entire continental U.S. 2025 marks Ben’s twenty-seventh year teaching drum set and percussion in the DC metro area. He maintains a private studio of approximately 50 students of all ages, while staying busy as a clinician and instructor for numerous middle and high schools in the region. A self-described musical omnivore, Tufts’s holistic approach to teaching has evolved directly from his 25+ years of wide-ranging experience performing and recording rock, metal, punk, jazz, classical, latin, folk and theatre. Ben also has experience with electric bass, composition, music theory tutoring, arranging for strings and horns, events management and studio production.
Guitar & Ukelele
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Graduate of The New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program with a degree in Jazz Bass Performance and a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from George Mason University, John has been active in the area’s music scene in many different genres but focused in Jazz. He also has a passion for Classical music and technique. Studying with acclaimed bassist Glenn Dewey of the “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, John was able to refine a challenging and practical teaching program to aid budding classical bassists.
Originally from the Northern Virginia area, John has been fortunate to have performed in a variety of venues in Washington DC since his early high school days. These experiences instilled a passion for music that has led to performances as far away as Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and from New York to New Orleans. Some notable artists that John has played with include Keller Williams, Michael Glabickey (Rusted Root), Craig Irving (Digable Planets), Dr. John Starling (Seldom Scene), Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman) and local Saxophonist Ron Holloway.
Students can expect a personalized lesson plan with a focus on connecting with your instrument through practical application of techniques used in Music Conservatories. This coupled with simply learning your favorite songs gives the student a broader understanding of music in a fun and rewarding atmosphere.
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Conghui Chen is a pianist and piano educator with international performance experience across China, Europe, and the United States. She has performed in venues such as the Musikverein Vienna and participated in international music festivals in Italy, working with distinguished pianists. Her achievements have been recognized with honors including the Ethel and Carl Galbraith Scholarship from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Alongside her performance career, Conghui is passionate about teaching and has experience working with young students. She specializes in guiding beginners to build a strong musical foundation through structured, engaging, and supportive lessons, while fostering proper technique, musicality, and confidence. She tailors her teaching to each student’s personality and learning pace, creating a positive environment where children can develop both skill and a genuine love for music.
Conghui received her Bachelor’s degree from Shenyang Conservatory of Music and her Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She also completed a second Master’s degree and a Graduate Performance Diploma in Collaborative Piano. She is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) candidate at The Catholic University of America.
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Erik Grimm grew up in Washington, DC, studying guitar with renowned local latin guitarist, Amilcar Cruz. He then went on to study with the great New England classical and jazz guitarist, David Newsam, at Berklee College of Music. In 2014, he received a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, majoring in Professional Music and minoring in Music Production & Engineering.
Erik previously taught at Merry Melody Music Academy in Norwood, MA, where he worked with students of all ages and all skill levels. He is a patient and encouraging teacher and likes to keep his lessons fun and engaging while working hard to help his students make big improvements. While his lessons are grounded in technique and theory, he lets students learn what they are most interested in and chose the songs that they will work on.
Erik has performed with a myriad of different musical groups in different genres. He has played at Firefly Music Festival (with Prinze George), Blue Ocean Music Hall (Opening for Dispatch), SXSW, The Sinclair, Brighton Music Hall and many other venues. He is currently playing for the indie/alt rock band Boketto the Wolf and in addition plays jazz, folk, r&b and pop for various groups in the Boston area. In addition to performing, Erik writes and records music and recently scored the music for a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial aired during the winter Olympics.
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Sophie Wise grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and began her guitar journey at age 8 when she got her first (and most glittery) guitar. She got her music degree from Kenyon college in 2023 where she studied classical guitar performance. Sophie has played in multiple bands and ensembles, ranging from classical guitar groups to punk bands. As a teacher, Sophie is focused on proper technique and fundamentals, but always allows her students to work towards songs of their choosing. She is very encouraging and willing to move at whatever pace her students might need. She strives to foster a positive relationship with music in her lessons.
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JC Mickenben is a multi-instrumentalist, teaching trumpet, trombone, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo. He has studied with Riley Baugus, Ben Nelson, Bob Buckingham among others. Trained as a luthier, JC fixes all types of musical instruments for Music on the Hill. He plays Trombone in local folk-punk band Trashboat and the Ambush and play Banjo/Guitar with folk trio, The Timber Bridges.
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Singer-songwriter Brendan Lane is a lifelong musician whose first self-written tracks made their public debuts at a range of local all-ages gigs in his Annapolis hometown. Distilling influences from The Beatles to Blink-182 via a deep detour in blues country courtesy of B.B. King and John Mayer, Brendan quickly became known for his nostalgic yet innovative blend of rock and soul. Having since released a number of singles and an EP, played in 7 countries across 3 continents, and refined his reputation as an electric live act, Brendan’s momentum is at an all-time high as he prepares for his biggest year yet, with plans for monthly single releases, a slew of live performances, and the release of a full-length album slated for 2024 — much to the delight of his diverse and growing fanbase.
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Ian M. Riggs grew up in a musical family and has been performing and teaching music in NYC and the DMV for over two decades. He studied Jazz and Classical music at Oberlin and The New School University and has played electric and upright bass in bands across many genres from Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Bluegrass/Americana to orchestras and Broadway shows. He plays regularly with Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra in NYC and beyond. Other notable performances include major music Festivals with Burning Spear and the Lonesome Trio. He also plays guitar, piano, sings, writes his own songs and compositions, and loves playing tennis.
Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, and Trombone
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JC Mickenben is a multi-instrumentalist, teaching trumpet, trombone, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo. He has studied with Riley Baugus, Ben Nelson, Bob Buckingham among others. Trained as a luthier, JC fixes all types of musical instruments for Music on the Hill. He plays Trombone in local folk punk band Trashboat and the Ambush and play Banjo/Guitar with folk trio, The Timber Bridges.
Bass
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Graduate of The New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program with a degree in Jazz Bass Performance and a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from George Mason University, John has been active in the area’s music scene in many different genres but focused in Jazz. He also has a passion for Classical music and technique. Studying with acclaimed bassist Glenn Dewey of the “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, John was able to refine a challenging and practical teaching program to aid budding classical bassists.
Originally from the Northern Virginia area, John has been fortunate to have performed in a variety of venues in Washington DC since his early high school days. These experiences instilled a passion for music that has led to performances as far away as Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and from New York to New Orleans. Some notable artists that John has played with include Keller Williams, Michael Glabickey (Rusted Root), Craig Irving (Digable Planets), Dr. John Starling (Seldom Scene), Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman) and local Saxophonist Ron Holloway.
Students can expect a personalized lesson plan with a focus on connecting with your instrument through practical application of techniques used in Music Conservatories. This coupled with simply learning your favorite songs gives the student a broader understanding of music in a fun and rewarding atmosphere.
Fiddle
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Teo Nouve is a Washington, D.C.-based vocalist, pianist, and composer. As a performer, he has toured internationally with the American University Chamber Singers and has been featured at prominent local venues such as The Kreeger Museum and Union Stage. A pianist since early childhood, Teo began singing in adolescence and has since developed a versatile musical practice spanning performance, composition, and teaching. He has recorded with several local pop/commercial acts and finds consistent work performing as a classical musician.
As an educator, Teo has experience teaching private lessons, leading group classes, and conducting a youth choir. He is well-versed in a variety of pedagogical approaches and enjoys introducing different musical genres to his students, while emphasizing a strong technical foundation. As a composer, he enjoys exploring the intellectual and creative aspects of music, believing they help to cultivate well-rounded students.
In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Teo has held roles in music programming and production at The Kennedy Center, The Anthem, and the National Gallery of Art. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from American University.
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Beatrice (Bebe) is a violinist who specializes in classical and bluegrass fiddle. She grew up in Chicago and played primarily classical violin until she began college, where she then dove into bluegrass, old-time, and swing jazz fiddle. She attended Denison University and graduated with a B.A. in music performance and bluegrass. During her time there she performed with and helped direct the bluegrass ensemble, performing at festivals including the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival, and has opened twice for the Steep Canyon Rangers. Most recently, Bebe taught students of all ages at Guitar House Workshop and Uptown Music in Columbus, Ohio. Bebe loves to teach students of all ages and levels, and strives to help students develop good technique for pain-free playing. Bebe’s students spend time learning to sight read, play by ear, and develop solos, while also pursuing their individual goals in whichever genre they choose. Bebe believes in a well-rounded music education and loves to mix in skills from multiple genres of music. She is passionate about making lessons comfortable and engaging, and wants her students to feel excited for their practice.
Cello
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Mikala (Mika) is an emerging multi-disciplinary artist and musician based in Washington, DC. Mika has been playing the Violin for 15 years. Her learning journey has been curated by incredible musicians such as Tatiana Glava (from the Dallas Quartet) and Alessandra Cuffaro (who was the first woman in Italy to perform Paganini's Caprice No. 24 from memory). These magnificently resilient women have left Mika with a deep passion for music, and a love for teaching. Mika's personal practice involves a continuation of classical techniques and pieces. She enjoys exploring new genres such as jazz, house, R&B, rap, techno, and other tunes of interest. She views teaching as another form of expression with the violin.
She graduated from The Catholic University of America with honors, a Bachelor's in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art and continued studies in classical violin. She obtained an Art Psychotherapy Certification from Metafora, and continues her studies in Art, Music, and Psychology.
Mika’s teaching focuses on comprehension of fundamentals in order to build correct habits from the root. They are catered to the student’s individual needs and intentions. In each session, time is taken to structure a digestible lesson plan that is productive and challenging, without becoming too overstimulating to internalize.
Lessons begin with a quick 'check-in' meditation to bring awareness into the body. Creating music is a unique act that requires both brain hemispheres to communicate with one another. Brain-body connection is a crucial part of the physical, mental, emotional act of playing music.
The lesson transitions into warm-up exercises that bring attention to brain-body connection. These include technique-building exercises that are catered to each student. The lesson is concluded with an assigned piece that aids in internalization of the newly-learned techniques. This piece is co-chosen with the student so that they feel passion towards what is being practiced. This way technique may blend with the innate passion for music. Depending on the student and the day, more time will be spent with either technique or the assigned piece of music. The lesson ends with a review of what was learnt, what (and how) needs to be practiced before the next lesson.
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Sarah Fredrick is a cellist, pianist, teacher, and composer. She studied music at the College of William & Mary and draws on classical, Appalachian folk, klezmer, and contemporary Jewish music traditions in her teaching and performance. She is a resident musician at Sixth & I Synagogue, where she plays cello and leads services. Sarah is a longtime volunteer and music instructor with the InterPLAY Orchestra, an ensemble for musicians with disabilities. She is dedicated to helping students of all ages and stages build joyful and meaningful connections to music.
Violin & Viola
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Beatrice (Bebe) is a violinist who specializes in classical and bluegrass fiddle. She grew up in Chicago and played primarily classical violin until she began college, where she then dove into bluegrass, old-time, and swing jazz fiddle. She attended Denison University and graduated with a B.A. in music performance and bluegrass. During her time there she performed with and helped direct the bluegrass ensemble, performing at festivals including the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival, and has opened twice for the Steep Canyon Rangers. Most recently, Bebe taught students of all ages at Guitar House Workshop and Uptown Music in Columbus, Ohio. Bebe loves to teach students of all ages and levels, and strives to help students develop good technique for pain-free playing. Bebe’s students spend time learning to sight read, play by ear, and develop solos, while also pursuing their individual goals in whichever genre they choose. Bebe believes in a well-rounded music education and loves to mix in skills from multiple genres of music. She is passionate about making lessons comfortable and engaging, and wants her students to feel excited for their practice.
Bebe also teaches mandolin, banjo, and guitar.
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Hunter (they/them) began their musical journey at age 10 in Tempe, Arizona, and quickly developed a passion for string performance and ensemble playing. As a member of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony from 2001–2008, they earned top placements in regional and state orchestras while studying under Patricia Cosand.
Hunter went on to attend Northern Arizona University, where they earned a degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2012. During their time at NAU, they performed as a violist in university orchestras, collaborated in chamber ensembles, and were an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music fraternity dedicated to fostering excellence in music.
Following graduation, Hunter began their teaching career with Mesa Public Schools, where they spent four years building a strong foundation in elementary string education. They taught 4th–6th grade students across all orchestral instruments—violin, viola, cello, and bass—developing engaging, student-centered instruction that emphasized both technical growth and a lifelong love of music. During this time, they also performed throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area with the Aletheia String Quartet.
Hunter later relocated to the Washington, DC area, where they continued teaching elementary strings with Fairfax County Public Schools. They also performed with the Capital City Symphony under the direction of Vicki Gau, further deepening their experience as both an educator and performer.
Now a private instructor, Hunter brings over eight years of classroom teaching experience into a more personalized setting, offering thoughtful, supportive instruction tailored to each student’s goals. They are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students feel both challenged and encouraged, whether they are just beginning or continuing their musical journey.
Outside of music, Hunter enjoys spending time outdoors—whether camping, hiking, or biking through Washington, DC—and takes pride in being an active member of their community. They view music as a powerful tool for connection and communication, and carry that philosophy into both their teaching and daily life. Hunter lives in the DC area with their wife and dog.
Voice
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Mikala (Mika) is an emerging multi-disciplinary artist and musician based in Washington, DC. Mika has been playing the Violin for 15 years. Her learning journey has been curated by incredible musicians such as Tatiana Glava (from the Dallas Quartet) and Alessandra Cuffaro (who was the first woman in Italy to perform Paganini's Caprice No. 24 from memory). These magnificently resilient women have left Mika with a deep passion for music, and a love for teaching. Mika's personal practice involves a continuation of classical techniques and pieces. She enjoys exploring new genres such as jazz, house, R&B, rap, techno, and other tunes of interest. She views teaching as another form of expression with the violin.
She graduated from The Catholic University of America with honors, a Bachelor's in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art and continued studies in classical violin. She obtained an Art Psychotherapy Certification from Metafora, and continues her studies in Art, Music, and Psychology.
Mika’s teaching focuses on comprehension of fundamentals in order to build correct habits from the root. They are catered to the student’s individual needs and intentions. In each session, time is taken to structure a digestible lesson plan that is productive and challenging, without becoming too overstimulating to internalize.
Lessons begin with a quick 'check-in' meditation to bring awareness into the body. Creating music is a unique act that requires both brain hemispheres to communicate with one another. Brain-body connection is a crucial part of the physical, mental, emotional act of playing music.
The lesson transitions into warm-up exercises that bring attention to brain-body connection. These include technique-building exercises that are catered to each student. The lesson is concluded with an assigned piece that aids in internalization of the newly-learned techniques. This piece is co-chosen with the student so that they feel passion towards what is being practiced. This way technique may blend with the innate passion for music. Depending on the student and the day, more time will be spent with either technique or the assigned piece of music. The lesson ends with a review of what was learnt, what (and how) needs to be practiced before the next lesson.
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Dejeria Briggmon is a distinguished mezzo-soprano and music educator with a Bachelor of Music inPerformance from the University of the District of Columbia. With concentrations in jazz and specializations in classical and gospel repertoire, she brings a diverse and well-rounded approach to vocal and piano instruction. Ms. Briggmon has served on the faculty of esteemed institutions including the National Conservatory of the Arts and the International School of Music, and has held leadership roles such as Artistic Director of the Washington Youth Choir. A member of the Recording Academy, NAMM, and the Jazz Education Network, she remains an active performer and committed mentor to aspiring musicians.
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They/Them
Ray Steelman comes to Music on the Hill after earning their Master’s of Music at the Peabody Institute of John’s Hopkins in 2023. Having begun teaching private voice in 2018 while earning a Bachelor’s in music and a Bachelor’s in psychology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Ray has taught musical theatre, opera and classical voice, jazz, folk, and rock vocal techniques. They have studied vocal pedagogy and performance at the Peabody Institute, teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, and earned recognition with the Annie Wentz Memorial Prize, the Mattie M. Key Award in Music, and the Barbara Bershon Arts Alliance Award in Music, among many others.
Ray focuses on embracing and encouraging student’s natural interests, building confidence, trust, and skill in their instrument through exercises, technical knowledge, and performance in order to reach and surpass each student’s musical goals. When not teaching, Ray is an active performer, recently a principal with the Victorian Lyric Opera Company, regularly singing in their local community, and collaborating with composers and other performers in the Baltimore and DC area. They are currently performing with their jazz group, “The Green Room Trio,” in the Baltimore area.
Contact
Contact
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Can’t commit to private lessons? Try floating lessons!
Floating Lessons are designed for flexibility. Customers can register for lessons one at a time, in any available teacher slots. You can cancel floating lessons and be issued a credit to be used on your next lesson with 24 hours notice. More detailed policies for this program will be released over the summer.