Lesson Feesfrom $35.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
Hello and welcome to my online music studio!
My name is Victoria Cortazzo-Matthews and I am a professional piano and French horn teacher based in the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area. I completed my graduate studies in Horn Performance from The Catholic University of America and have over 20 years of piano playing experience. I have over 6 years of professional horn and piano teaching experience.
I have played with ensembles such as the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra, the Capital Wind Symphony, and have been a piano accompanist for events such as Solo and Ensemble Festival and for student recitals at Western Kentucky University.
My current and past instructors include Geoffrey Pilkington (Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra), Dr. Eric Moore (U.S. Navy Band), Philip Munds (Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Baltimore Symphony), and Kelly Satterwhite (U.S. Army Band).
In addition to my graduate level education, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Western Kentucky University.
In music lessons, I teach my students about basic theory, ear-training, sight-reading, scales, proper breathing and embouchure development (applies to French horn), and much more. If needed, I will help students prepare for school-related events such as District Band auditions, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and coach them as they advance to higher levels of band and orchestra within their school.
Graduate Artist Diploma in Horn Performance from The Catholic University of America / 20+ years of piano playing experience / 6+ years of professional teaching experience with both horn and piano at Music and Arts in Oakton, VA, Royal Music Company in Bowling Green, KY, and privately through my own business / Member of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
I use a differentiated instruction method in my lessons which centers around tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs, interests, and goals. Instruction varies based on the type of learner, the age of the student, and whether or not they have prior experience. Generally, I use the Faber curriculum to start out new piano students and the Rubank and Getchell books for new horn students. Once the fundamentals of music are established, we may branch out and select new materials tailored to the needs and interests of the student.
For Grade School Piano Beginners: Primer Level - Lesson Book: Piano Adventures
For Middle/High School Piano Beginners: Accelerated Piano Adventures for the Older Beginner: Lesson Book 1
For Adult Piano Beginners: Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1
For French Horn Beginners: 1) Rubank Elementary Method for French Horn 2) First Book of Practical Studies for French Horn