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Music Lessons > Robert Nicholson updated August 31, 2010
Djembe, drumset, percussion; beginner guitar and bass, piano (early childhood)

percussion and guitar teacher Robert Nicholson

Rob Nicholson is a perfect candidate to teach budding musicians of any age. He has been gigging and teaching in the Washington DC area for over eight years. In addition he served as the K-8 music teacher at Friends Community School in College Park MD where his out-of-the-box teaching methods allowed him to co-write several musicals with his amazing students. Robert is the creator and co-administrator (with Brian Weber) of Takoma Groove Camp, a progressive summer music experience for intermediate to advanced teenage musicians.

Robert believes that everybody has the capacity to enjoy making music, whether the goal is to become a professional musician or to simply learn how to strum chords with friends and family. He is especially interested in leading people towards self discovery and growth through musical and lyrical creativity. Robert coaches beginning to advanced drum set technique, djembe drum, various percussion instruments, guitar, bass, songwriting, early childhood piano, general creativity. He is experienced in providing a general music program for home-schooled individuals or groups. Robert excels at working with groups of older youth who want to learn how to form bands. Sessions take place at Robert's studio: 6925 Willow St. Takoma Park, Md.

Robert and his business partner Brian Weber offer Drum Circle Facilitation, Musical Team Building Events and Creativity Coaching exercises for institutions, corporations and other groups who would like to take a day to strengthen their community through music.

During Robert's individual musical coaching sessions, you will work to:

  • Get rid of the misconceptions that prevent you from seeing yourself as a musician.
  • Quickly learn basic techniques that allow you to play many songs without knowing a whole lot about music yet.
  • Learn to read music or focus on playing by ear.
  • Learn the language of music... What do chords, scales, key signatures, I IV V's, and arpeggios mean?
  • Explore ways of applying musical creativity to other parts of your life.
  • Explore techniques for writing meaningful lyrics.
  • Prepare for school band auditions. It's easier than you think it is!
  • Amaze yourself when you play for friends and family during low stress, really laid back, and fun performances. (Performance venues include Austin Grill, the artsy and atmospheric Seekers Church, The Gazebo in Takoma Park, and others.)
  • Write and record your own songs. Learn just how easy it is to make simple multi-track recordings using free software.
  • Design your musical goal and take steps to reach it.

    Rates

    Individual Sessions are helpful for busy adults or teens who just want to check in from time to time about their musical practice. $45.00 per 45 min session.

    Weekly Sessions -- Children and adults who are interested in more quickly furthering their musical potential are best served by weekly sessions. Weekly sessions require payment at the beginning of the month in order to reserve a time slot on a particular day of the week that best suits them. The price for weekly reserved sessions is $130.00 per month. Please contact me with further questions.

    Musical Team Building Events are excellent ways for your organization to exercise general and specific communication skills. Our teambuilding events encourage out of the box thinking and collaboration in order to achieve goals. We strive to tailor the event to the specific needs of your team. Prices are determined by the length and nature of the event. Please call with questions!

    Drum Circles are amazing opportunities to immediately make music with any group. Drum circles also teach groups how easy it is to create something complex by interweaving relatively simple and easily managed parts. Pricing depends on the size of the group. Call for details.

    Education

    Robert received his bachelors in musical studies through Goddard College. He is currently completing an M.A. in Psychology and Counseling in which he is researching the intersections of creativity, spirituality, and health.

    Please call (301)270-9090 or contact the lessons coordinator by email.