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.

Lessons are available for: guitar, bass guitar, banjo, piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, fiddle, saxophone, percussion, clarinet, flute, and ukulele.

Recurring Lesson Membership

30-Minute Lesson | $53/Lesson

45-Minute Lesson | $77/Lesson

60-Minute Lesson | $100/Lesson

30-Minute “Trial” Lesson | $60 (max 2 per customer)

  • 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.

Contact

Contact

Sign up for our Lessons newsletter for important details regarding cancellations, recitals, and closures. You can opt-in for our general newsletter below (this is specifically for Lessons Updates)

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.

Can’t commit to private lessons? Try floating lessons!

Meet the Teachers

Piano

  • Piano | Guitar | Ukelele | Bass

    Knox Engler began his musical journey in North Carolina when he enrolled in violin lessons at the age of 4. He grew up playing classical music in orchestras and chamber ensembles before discovering the guitar which quickly became his primary instrument. Knox studied with esteemed Jazz guitarist, Scott Sawyer, in high school and was fortunate enough to continue with this teacher while earning his Bachelor of Music from UNC Chapel Hill in 2019. He went on to earn his Masters in Audio Engineering from American University in 2022.

    Knox taught previously at the School of Rock in both Chapel Hill, NC, and in Silver Spring, MD, where he taught a wide range of students and ensembles. He is an energetic teacher that loves to have fun but also takes music education very seriously and encourages students to work hard toward their musical goals. Knox often escribes his teaching method as a “song first” approach but always makes sure to provide theoretical and technique based explanations for all the material he and his students engage with.

    Knox has played with a number of bands since beginning his professional music career. He has performed at countless notable venues including the Bowery Electric, Cats Cradle, Shakori Hills Grassroots, and many others. He currently plays in a number of bands in DC which include his passion project, Pajama Day as well as several cover bands and the occasional Jazz outfit. When Knox is not performing or teaching, he can be found working on mixes or recording rock bands in his home studio and throughout DC.

  • Tian Wei is a passionate pianist and dedicated teacher with years of experience working with students of all ages and levels. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from The Catholic University of America. She completed her Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Northern Colorado.

    As both an educator and performer, she strives to create a supportive and inspiring learning

    environment, helping students build a solid technical foundation while developing their musical

    artistry. Over the years, she has taught as a private instructor, group class teacher, and

    accompanist, tailoring her approach to each student’s unique needs.

    In addition to teaching, Tian has performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center, the

    Embassy of Bulgaria, and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. She believes that every student has

    their own unique potential and enjoys tailoring her approach to help them grow as confident and

    expressive musicians.


  • Originally from Kensington, Md, Henry grew up playing piano and guitar at home, and singing in various school and regional choirs. After branching away from music for a time after high school to earn a bachelor's degree, he returned to performing and teaching music in the DMV. He has studied piano with local teachers Robert Redd and Harry Appelman. Over the last 8 years, he has been teaching at local studios, Gaiser Insider Guitar Studio (Kensington) and School of Musical Traditions (Takoma Park). He has performed on many stages in the area including Pearl Street Warehouse, Songbyrd, and Bethesda Blues and Jazz. 

    Since all students have different styles of learning, Henry uses a well-rounded approach that includes both music reading and learning by ear. Whether or not students read music though, Henry teaches students to use singing (when possible) to aid to learning and practice processes. He seeks to help students build ample confidence for performing, and also have good habits when practicing at home or collaborating with other musicians. 

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Knox Engler began his musical journey in North Carolina when he enrolled in violin lessons at the age of 4. He grew up playing classical music in orchestras and chamber ensembles before discovering the guitar which quickly became his primary instrument. Knox studied with esteemed Jazz guitarist, Scott Sawyer in highschool and was fortunate enough to continue with this teacher while earning his Bachelor of Music from UNC Chapel Hill in 2019. He went on to earn his Masters in Audio Engineering from American University in 2022.

    Knox taught previously at the School of Rock in both Chapel Hill, NC and in Silver Spring, MD, where he taught a wide range of students and ensembles. He is an energetic teacher that loves to have fun but also takes music education very seriously and encourages students to work hard toward their musical goals. Knox often escribes his teaching method as a “song first” approach but always makes sure to provide theoretical and technique based explanations for all the material he and his students engage with.

    Knox has played with a number of bands since beginning his professional music career. He has performed at countless notable venues including the Bowery Electric, Cats Cradle, Shakori Hills Grassroots, and many others. He currently plays in a number of bands in DC which include his passion project, Pajama Day as well as several cover bands and the occasional Jazz outfit. When Knox is not performing or teaching, he can be found working on mixes or recording rock bands in his home studio and throughout DC.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nick Wilby is an experienced performer and teacher living in Washington, D.C. Originally from Enfield, CT, Nick attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he studied Jazz Guitar. In 2013, Nick moved to DC to pursue a career playing and teaching music and work with DC-based Pointless Theatre Company as a composer, arranger and performer. He was quickly hired as one of Music on the Hill’s original guitar teachers, where he taught guitar and ukulele lessons for 5 years. After a 1 year stint in beautiful Portland, Maine, Nick is delighted to be back in DC and teaching at Music on the Hill.

    As a teacher, Nick tailors each lesson to the individual and is well versed in many styles including Jazz, Rock, Funk, Folk and Country. While stressing the importance of learning the fundamentals, Nick strives to help every student find their own voice on their instrument and most importantly, have fun!

  • 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.

Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, and Trombone

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Knox Engler began his musical journey in North Carolina when he enrolled in violin lessons at the age of 4. He grew up playing classical music in orchestras and chamber ensembles before discovering the guitar which quickly became his primary instrument. Knox studied with esteemed Jazz guitarist, Scott Sawyer in highschool and was fortunate enough to continue with this teacher while earning his Bachelor of Music from UNC Chapel Hill in 2019. He went on to earn his Masters in Audio Engineering from American University in 2022.

    Knox taught previously at the School of Rock in both Chapel Hill, NC and in Silver Spring, MD, where he taught a wide range of students and ensembles. He is an energetic teacher that loves to have fun but also takes music education very seriously and encourages students to work hard toward their musical goals. Knox often escribes his teaching method as a “song first” approach but always makes sure to provide theoretical and technique based explanations for all the material he and his students engage with.

    Knox has played with a number of bands since beginning his professional music career. He has performed at countless notable venues including the Bowery Electric, Cats Cradle, Shakori Hills Grassroots, and many others. He currently plays in a number of bands in DC which include his passion project, Pajama Day as well as several cover bands and the occasional Jazz outfit. When Knox is not performing or teaching, he can be found working on mixes or recording rock bands in his home studio and throughout DC.

Fiddle

  • 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.

  • Natalie Burg is a fiddler and multi-stylistic violinist of American, Scandinavian, Celtic and Latin American Folk, Jazz, and Classical styles.

    Natalie has a passion for teaching violin and fostering a love for music and internationalism among her students. She played for 8 years with Rattvik, Sweden-based fiddle group Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmanslag, and has been a member of various classical orchestras across the US, Europe, and Guatemala. She also was a member of the Musica Divina jam band in Chicago, country band Christopher Colletta and the State Secrets in Paris, France and Washington, DC. She has been a part of international folk music orchestras and taught masterclasses to young musicians in Hungary, Sweden, Guatemala and the United States. Natalie lives in Capitol Hill herself, and loves to host backyard concerts with local musicians!

Violin & Viola

  • 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.

  • Natalie Burg is a fiddler and multi-stylistic violinist of American, Scandinavian, Celtic and Latin American Folk, Jazz, and Classical styles.

    Natalie has a passion for teaching violin and fostering a love for music and internationalism among her students. She played for 8 years with Rattvik, Sweden-based fiddle group Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmanslag, and has been a member of various classical orchestras across the US, Europe and Guatemala. She also was a member of the Musica Divina jam band in Chicago, and a band member of country band Christopher Colletta and the State Secrets in Paris, France and Washington, DC. She has been a part of international folk music orchestras and taught masterclasses to young musicians in Hungary, Sweden, Guatemala and the United States. Natalie lives in Capitol Hill herself, and loves to host backyard concerts with local musicians!

  • Hunter (they/them) started their music career at the age of 10 in Tempe, Arizona. As a young string musician, Hunter performed with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra from 2001 – 2008. They studied with Patricia Cosand and earned top spots in the Regional and State level orchestras.

    In the Fall of 2008, Hunter attended Northern Arizona University to study Instrumental Music Education and graduated with their degree in Winter 2012. During their time at NAU, they performed as a violist in the university orchestras, collaborated in string quartet performances, and was a member of the women’s music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. Upon graduation, Hunter accepted a string teaching position at the Mesa Public Schools, educating 4th – 6th graders how to play violin, viola, cello and bass. In addition to teaching, they performed around the Phoenix Metropolitan area with the Aletheia String Quartet.

    After 4 years in Mesa, Hunter moved to Washington DC and continued to teach elementary strings at Fairfax County Public Schools and perform with the Capital City Symphony, under the direction of Vicki Gau.

    When Hunter isn’t teaching or performing, you can find them outside doing just about any activity. Their favorite activities include camping, rock climbing, hiking, and softball. Hunter lives with their wife and dog in the DC area and continues to use music as a tool of communication and to bring people together.

Voice

  • Ana is a classically trained pianist with expertise in solo piano performance, chamber music, and piano accompaniment. Ana holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the College of the Holy

    Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ana was the recipient of the prestigious John E. Brooks Music Scholarship, a four-year, full tuition scholarship for music performance. At Holy Cross, Ana studied with pianist Adam Golka, and trained in chamber music performance with cellist Jan Müller-Szeraws and violinist Saul Bitran. 

    Originally from New Hampshire, Ana grew up studying with Mila Filatova and Tamara Poddubnaya, and received additional instruction from Victor Rosenbaum, Max Levinson, Carleen Graff, and Naydene Bowder. In addition to piano, Ana enjoys playing bassoon in a local community symphonic band. As a teacher, Ana loves working with students of all ages and levels. She is dedicated to ensuring students have a strong technical foundation and fostering a supportive, engaging environment that helps students build their confidence as musicians.

  • 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.