Approach
Parents at Rocknoceros shows frequently tell me that they wish they had kept playing the piano, and I tell them, "start playing again." Music is fun to play, and it's good for your brain. Inevitably, these parents then tell me how much they HATED to practice, at which point I tell them that they were probably learning how to READ music rather than to PLAY music.
After years of traditional piano lessons (as both teacher and student), I have concluded that the formidable task of learning to READ music will often get in the way of learning to PLAY music.
Reading music is a difficult skill to learn that requires a LOT of time and patience. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Playing music is a skill that comes effortlessly to many people (although to get really good, you still need lots of time and patience.)
So let's play music! We'll learn the notation that serves us along the way, but the most important thing is that we learn to play and to feel the music.
Ultimately, music is heard and felt. It is not seen and read.
Lessons
The lessons are conducted over FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. The cost $75/hour.
I encourage the whole family to participate. My experience is that children of age 6 are really ready to explore how music works. Younger kids will enjoy playing and learning, too, but they will likely not be fully engaged for the whole lesson.
I like to start everyone on the ukulele. We strum the chords, and we sing the songs. (I like to get everyone singing.)
Most of my students are playing the ukulele; some are playing the piano; and some are playing both. Some are reading and writing music in standard notation, but most are not. Most are families, but some are individuals. My youngest student is approximately 3 years old, my oldest is 76.
Testimonials
“Learning about music from Marc has been a very special gift to our family. We are ever so grateful for him.” - Tupelo & Bodhi Cash
“I find it amazing how much we have learned and how much fun we have had. My kids absolutely adore him.” - Kaycie B
“Marc is the best music teacher I’ve had. His warm, fun, engaging style works wonderfully with kids and adults.” - Keith K
“Marc is a pure musician and a delightful human. He taught my daughter and I how to play ukulele and then encouraged my daughter to start learning piano. Her confidence grew as she learned and she had the courage to try out for and perform at her school talent show. She blew everyone away with her singing and playing all thanks to Marc’s encouragement and lessons. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. He’s a kind, gentle soul who brought our family so much joy.” - Kristin S
“Marc has worked with my sons, age 17 and 15, on saxophone and trumpet improvisation. Their lessons with him yielded immediate results in their playing, and in their understanding of music. He has also worked with my 10 year old daughter on ukulele and voice, and her lessons with Marc kick-started her innate love of musical performance. Marc’s lessons are playful and fun, and his passion for music is inspiring.” -David and Amy C.
Bio
I have always loved music. I started piano lessons when I was 7. I joined band in 5th grade. I joined my first rock band in 7th grade. I studied music composition in college. Since 2000, I have been a full-time, professional musician.
I have earned 10 Washington Area Music Awards as a composer, solo artist, and as a member of Rocknoceros. I have performed at The Kennedy Center, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, the 9:30 Club, and Wolftrap. My original compositions have been heard on MTV and the History Channel. I am a proud member of Rocknoceros.
Videos
More ukulele tutorial videos here.
Contact
If you have questions, please contact me!
email: marccapponi @ gmail. com
phone area code (202) number: 421 - 8533