Ray B —Banjo: Ray returns to Litz Music! A seasoned banjo player and teacher, has been strumming the strings for over 20 years, all levels, and beginner Clawhammer banjo. His expertise lies in the 5-string Earl Scruggs style and imparts banjo wisdom through a combination of tablature, recordings, transcriptions and playing by ear. Most recently with Silver City, a Takoma Park based Americana-Bluegrass band. I also play rhythm guitar to accompany students as they play. Formerly taught from 2008 to 2018 at Victor Litz. Ray’s passion for banjo music shines through his teaching, making him a valuable resource for aspiring banjo enthusiasts!

Billy L. is a music educator and musician with a diverse range of skills and experiences. Here's a summary of his background and teaching abilities:

1. Teaching Experience: Billy Litz has been teaching brass (including trumpet and baritone horn), piano, and guitar since 2012. His teaching expertise covers a wide range of musical instruments.

2. Education: He holds a BA in Music Education from Salisbury University with a focus on trumpet. This academic background is essential for his proficiency in teaching music theory and technical aspects.

3. Teaching Settings: Billy teaches in various settings, including private lessons, rock bands, and group music classes at schools. This indicates his versatility in adapting his teaching style to different audiences and environments.

4. Performance Career: He is an active musician who tours the east coast and releases music with the soul/rock band Hustle Souls. Additionally, he performs as a solo singer-songwriter. His experience as a performer adds depth to his teaching by providing practical insights into live music and stage performance.

5. Teaching Specialization: Billy can tailor his teaching to students' goals and stylistic preferences. He covers a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz and popular genres like rock, blues, and country.

6. Focus Areas: His teaching approach emphasizes technicality, reading music, practice techniques, music theory, musicianship, and musical expression. These aspects are crucial for a well-rounded musical education.

7. Additional Instruments: In addition to brass instruments, piano, and guitar, Billy can also teach harmonica. This demonstrates his versatility as a music educator.

8. Baritone Horn: While he can teach baritone horn, he requires one week's advance notice to prepare materials for baritone horn lessons. This shows his commitment to providing high-quality instruction.

9. Online Teaching: It's worth noting that he offers online lessons, which can be convenient for students who prefer remote learning.

Overall, Billy Litz is a skilled music educator and performer with a wide range of expertise in various instruments and musical genres. His commitment to tailoring lessons to students' needs and his experience in both teaching and performing make him a valuable resource for aspiring musicians.

Kathy at Victor Litz Music is a highly qualified music teacher with a diverse background in music education and performance. Here are some key points about her:

1. Instrument Proficiency: Teacher Kathy is skilled in teaching a variety of musical instruments, including piano, flute, piccolo, recorder, violin, and ukulele. This wide range of expertise allows her to cater to students with different musical interests.

2. Age Range: She is open to teaching students aged 4 and up, depending on the instrument. This flexibility allows her to work with a broad spectrum of learners, from young beginners to adults.

3. Educational Background:

   • Bachelor's Degree: Kathy holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Performance from Centenary College in Louisiana. This degree indicates her strong foundation in music and performance.
   • Graduate Studies: She pursued graduate studies in Music Education at American University, further enhancing her pedagogical skills.
   • International Experience: Kathy has studied music performance at the University of Nice in France, which adds an international perspective to her teaching.

4. Performance Experience: Kathy's impressive performance background includes playing with the Shreveport Symphony and participating in various chamber ensembles with the DC Music Union. This practical experience enriches her teaching by offering real-world insights to her students.

5. Professional Memberships: Kathy is a member of both the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. These affiliations demonstrate her commitment to professionalism and continuing education within the field of music education.

6. Teaching Philosophy: Kathy's approach to teaching is focused on preparing her students for competitions, auditions, and, most importantly, helping them enjoy learning an instrument and appreciate music. She welcomes both beginners and returning players, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

In summary, Kathy is a dedicated and experienced music educator with a strong educational background, performance history, and a commitment to helping students of all ages and skill levels enjoy and excel in music.

Russell is a highly qualified and experienced music instructor with a strong background in music composition and performance. Here's a breakdown of the key information about Russell:

1. Name: Russell
2. Role: Music instructor at Victor Litz Music
3. Education:
   • Music Composition Major at Berklee College of Music in Boston
   • Music Performance at Lawrence University in Wisconsin
4. Teaching Experience: Russell has been teaching music since 2005, which indicates a significant amount of experience in music education.
5. Memberships:
   • Suzuki Association of Greater Washington
   • Soulful Symphony Orchestra
   • Local 161-710 Musicians Union
6. Instrument Specialization: Russell has a background in classical music and has introduced Jazz to the trombone and violin. He also teaches violin and viola.
7. Performance Experience: Russell has performed in various venues both inside and outside of the USA, showcasing a wide range of musical experiences and a global perspective.

With such an extensive background and memberships in music associations, Russell is a well-rounded and highly skilled music instructor who can provide valuable insights and guidance to his students. His diverse experiences in music performance and education make him a valuable asset to the music community.

Terry is a highly skilled musician and piano instructor with a diverse range of expertise and experience. Here's a breakdown of Terry's qualifications and what they offer:

1. Instrument Expertise: Terry is proficient in playing the piano and keyboard, encompassing a wide array of musical genres, including jazz, swing, standards, classical, pop, and gospel. This versatility allows students to explore different styles of music based on their interests and goals.

2. Teaching Focus: Terry's teaching philosophy emphasizes building self-esteem, confidence, and discipline in students. This is achieved through the cultivation of proper practice techniques and musical fundamentals. Such an approach is crucial for the development of well-rounded musicians.

3. Educational Background: Terry holds a degree in Speech Communication and Music Education. This educational foundation is valuable in ensuring effective communication with students and tailoring teaching methods to suit individual learning styles.

4. Extensive Teaching Experience: With over 20 years of teaching experience, Terry has honed teaching methods and strategies to cater to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians.

5. Musical Director: Serving as a musical director indicates Terry's leadership and organizational skills in coordinating musical performances or events. This role involves orchestrating musicians, selecting repertoire, and ensuring the overall success of the musical production.

6. Master Classes: Instructing master classes suggests that Terry has the ability to impart advanced knowledge and techniques to more advanced students or groups. These classes can provide a deeper dive into specific aspects of music and performance.

7. Competition Preparation: Terry is experienced in preparing students for competitions. This involves rigorous training, honing specific skills, and selecting appropriate repertoire to maximize a student's chance of success in music competitions.

Terry's combination of skills, experience, and dedication to nurturing musical talent makes them a well-rounded and highly qualified piano instructor and jazz musician. Students can benefit not only from learning to play the piano but also from gaining essential life skills like self-esteem, confidence, and discipline through Terry's guidance.

Bob is a highly experienced and accomplished drums and percussion instructor with a strong background in music performance. Here's a summary of his qualifications and teaching:

1. Teaching Expertise: Bob is qualified to teach students as young as 6 years old, making him suitable for a wide age range of learners.

2. Versatile Styles: He is capable of teaching a broad spectrum of musical styles, catering to the interests and goals of his students. This includes drum set, concert percussion (snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, etc.), and hand percussion (congas, bongos, djembe).

3. Education: Bob holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Performance from Towson University. He earned Outstanding Achievement in Music in 1991, which reflects his dedication and talent in the field.

4. Professional Experience: Bob has an impressive resume, having served as the principal percussionist in various orchestras and bands. His collaborations with Grammy and Tony Award-winning artists like Peter Nero and Sheena Easton indicate his high level of musical proficiency.

5. Inspirational Instructor: His dedication and inspiring teaching style have helped many students achieve success in their musical journeys. His impact can be seen in the accomplishments of his students at county, state, collegiate, and even professional levels.

For anyone interested in learning drums and percussion, Bob appears to be a well-qualified and accomplished instructor who can provide a solid foundation and inspire students to achieve their musical goals.

Maggie M is a dedicated and experienced music teacher with a strong emphasis on tailoring her teaching approach to the interests and needs of her students. Here's a breakdown of the key points from her profile:

1. Instrument Expertise: Maggie teaches cello, violin, viola, and saxophone, demonstrating a wide range of musical skills and versatility.

2. Age Group: She accepts students aged 8 and up, suggesting that she is comfortable working with a diverse range of age groups and skill levels.

3. Student-Centric Approach: Maggie prioritizes keeping students engaged and interested in learning by incorporating their interests into her teaching methods. This approach helps foster a love for music and encourages consistent practice.

4. Emphasis on Joy and Growth: She believes that music education should be joyful and focuses on helping students grow not only as musicians but also as individuals.

5. Fundamental Building: Maggie places importance on establishing strong fundamentals and building upon a student's existing strengths. This approach ensures a solid musical foundation.

6. Adaptability: With advanced students, Maggie adapts her teaching methods to focus on essential elements like intonation, posture, and rhythm. This tailoring ensures that each student's needs are met.

7. Performance Emphasis: Maggie encourages her students to perform in a relaxed and free manner, contrary to traditional strict posture guidelines. This approach aims to make performance more enjoyable and less intimidating.

8. Musical Styles: She covers a wide range of musical styles, including Classical, Baroque, and Romantic, accommodating beginners to advanced students.

9. Educational Background: Maggie holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Science in Music Teaching, both from Frostburg. This suggests a strong foundation in music education theory and practice.

10. Teaching Experience: Her many years of teaching experience and current role within the Mont County Public Schools system further reinforce her expertise in music education.

Overall, Maggie M is a dedicated and adaptable music teacher who seeks to make the learning experience enjoyable and fulfilling for her students while ensuring they develop strong musical skills and knowledge.

🎹 Rose G. – Piano Instructor

Rose G. brings warmth, creativity, and a love for music to her piano students at Victor Litz Music. With over 10 years of piano experience and 2 years of teaching, Rose works with students ages 5 to 18, helping them build skills while having fun along the way.

Her lessons are designed to be engaging and personalized, with a focus on making practice enjoyable and meaningful. Rose believes that understanding each student’s motivation is key to helping them grow, and she celebrates their progress while encouraging them to reach new goals.

Rose has performed at venues like Asbury Methodist Village, sharing her music to uplift and entertain. She offers instruction in both English and Bengali/Bangla, making her lessons accessible to a wider range of students and families.

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their playing, Rose creates a supportive and joyful learning environment that inspires confidence and musical growth.

Beth D—Cello:

🎻 Learn Cello with Beth

About Beth

Beth is a dedicated cello teacher with over 20 years of experience helping students of all ages discover the joy of music. She welcomes beginners as young as age 3 and works with advanced players preparing for auditions, competitions, and performances. Her teaching style is highly adaptive—she tailors lessons to each student’s needs, interests, and goals, ensuring that every learner feels supported and inspired.

Teaching Approach

• Accepts students starting at age 3

• Flexible and adaptive to individual learning styles

• Prepares students for auditions and performance opportunities

• Focuses on building strong foundations in technique, theory, and musicality

• Encourages creativity and personal expression through music

Qualifications & Background

Beth is not only a gifted teacher but also a highly accomplished musician with a diverse background in performance, theory, and composition.

• Education

  • Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, University of Evansville (Indiana)

  • Master’s Degree in Music, Louisiana State University

• Awards & Recognition

  • Third Prize, 1989 ASCAP Victor Herbert Young Composers Competition (Voice with Orchestra category) for Oriana’s Lament

  • Honorable Mention, 1991 ASCAP Victor Herbert Young Composers Competition (Small Ensemble category) for Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano

  • Featured composer at the Second Festival of Women Composers in Pennsylvania

• Performance Experience

  • Section cellist, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (Indiana) and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra (Louisiana) for 17 years

  • Principal cellist for multiple community orchestras

  • Currently principal cellist & composer-in-residence for the Trinity Chamber Orchestra in Bethesda, Maryland

Why Study with Beth?

Beth’s students benefit from her unique combination of professional performance experience, award-winning composition skills, and a nurturing teaching style. Whether you are a young beginner, a high school student preparing for auditions, or an adult returning to music, Beth provides the guidance, encouragement, and expertise to help you reach your goals.

Jonathan G (JoJo) - Drums and Percussion, including Congas, Bongos and Djembe: All ages welcome, beginners thru advanced. Over 10 years teaching drums/percussion in private and group classes, clinics & workshops. Extensive background in both music school and church settings. Director of Canzion Music Institute since 2021, studio Manager at Olde Towne Youth Center as drummer, percussionist, recording artist and band director. Styles include Rock, funk, jazz, Latin styles, worship and ‘odd-time grooves'. Open to teaching any style that helps students grow in their drumming ability and music. Professional drummer & recording artist since 2015 performing with live bands across many genres. Recorded with Hosanna Revelation and contributed to live album recordings and tours. Teaching tools: Industry-standard DAWs (software) and music production tools, along with tracks and hands-on performance-based learning. I like to motivate by setting clear, achievable goals, connecting music to each student’s personal taste. Will get student equipped with skills to play confident setting from solo practice to full band performances.
Fluent in Spanish, and bilingual instruction available.