Private Lessons & Coaches in Finksburg, MD

With a foundation in European conservatory training and ongoing studies in the United States, I approach both teaching and performance as deeply interconnected disciplines rooted in perseverance, empathy, and authenticity. Having completed the second level of the Romanian Pedagogy Modules, which qualify graduate students to teach at both pre-college and college levels, my pedagogy is guided by the example of my outstanding mentors: Angela Pascu, Daniel Goiti, Stefan Arnold, and Boris Slutsky. My approach views virtuosity as a powerful tool: never an end in itself, but a means to facilitate meaningful and honest expression. My experience as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, improviser, and conductor gives me a multifaceted approach to music and education. Aside from refining their understanding of those innermost, intuitive aspects of musical architecture, I aim to encourage students of all ages to engage critically with the score, develop informed interpretations, and cultivate artistic independence. By fostering resilience, intellectual curiosity, and self-awareness, I prepare my students not only for the demands of the profession but also for a lifelong, sustainable relationship with their art, grounded in purpose, reflection, and an unwavering respect for the power of music to connect across barriers.

From concert halls to your living room, I've spent the last decade sharing my passion for piano. As a professional pianist, I offer my expertise to students of all levels, fostering a fun and engaging environment for growth. Let's unlock your musical potential together.

"Alex has helped me to pick up right where I left off in my piano playing and challenged me to more difficult pieces! I learned Fur Elise off of a previous lesson book but it was more of a simpler version. Alex saw that I liked it a lot and showed me the real version with these sections that are hard but fun!! I’m glad I am able to continue my lessons with him.

Leyu Tian, a Chinese pianist, who performs as a soloist, participant in chamber music, and an accompanist. in an array of modalities. This is a testament of his flexibility and open mindedness and open heartedness to varying modalities and different kinds of music. His passion for piano performance creates this limitless attitude where he refuses to limit himself to one way of playing the piano. Leyu Tian has performed Beethoven piano concerto No.3 in C minor with the Macao Symphony Orchestra at the Macao Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium and Rachmaninoff piano concerto No.3 in D minor with the Shanghai Philharmoniker at the He Luting Hall. His repertoire encompasses not only great classics, but also innovative new works such as Dance Fury composed by Ping Gao, Instand d’un Opéea de Pékin composed by Qigang Chen, and The Ending of Cloud composed by Yuxuan Dong. As a chamber musician and an accompanist, he played piano trios and quartets in master classes and concerts, and accompanied string, woodwind, and singer works including Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Saint Saëns, Brahms, Schubert, and Schoenberg He was the recipient of several awards for his performances. In 2017, he won the Macau Grand Finals of the first PETROF International Piano Competition, winning four categories of championships respectively. In 2015, he won the special prize in the professional group final of the 8th Shanghai Youth International Piano Competition and the first prize in the professional group final of the Northwest Division of the 7th Steinway Piano Competition Currently, Leyu Tian is a first year graduate student at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studies with Professor Alexander Shtarkman. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in piano performance from Shanghai Conservatory of Music with professor Yingdi Sun, where he was the recipient of the Shanghai People’s Scholarship, Yamaha scholarship and Ende Niu Scholarship. He studied at the Music Middle School Affiliated with Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Professor William Chen. His performance has received guidance from many masters including Ralf Gothóni, William Nabore, Jean-claude Vanden Eynden, Webb Wiggins,Hong-Kuan Chen, Chen Pi-hsien and Ernest So.

Fueling passion on the pitch for over three decades, I specialize in soccer training. With 34 years of experience, I foster skill development, strategic thinking, and a love for the beautiful game. Let's elevate your performance together.

COACHING EXPERIENCE: I have experience coaching boys and girls ranging from 4-40 years old. I was a coach in San Francisco for an organization called SF Glens FC, and then I started coaching private lessons in Orange County after playing college soccer at BIOLA University. I also coached a girls Chealsea OC soccer club in Orange County Southern California in 2024. But my passion is being a private coach, which I have been for 5 years now. I love watching people progress quickly and seeing their confidence boost as a result of it. ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS: I played 4 years of collegiate soccer on scholarship. I played 1 year at Academy of Art University from 2014-2015, and I played 3 years at Biola University from 2015-2017. Post Collegiate Recognition: 2018 I was offered to play PDL (Semi-pro) for the So Cal Seahorses which I turned down because at the time I was also speaking with USL (Professional) coaches who said I was good enough for professional level. I tore my ACL prior to going pro, and since recovering I found a passion for coaching. College Awards/Accomplishments: Biola University 2017 • NCCAA All-American second team selection • Named to the All-PacWest second team • Named PacWest Defender of the Week on Oct. 2 • Appeared in 17 matches, starting 16 times • Scored four goals, including three game-winners - Biola's 4th Leading scorer my last year 2017 while playing as a Center Back. - Team voted MVP for Biola Men's Soccer Team my last year in 2017. • Played 1,562 minutes as the Eagles' leading centreback Biola University 2015-2016 • Earned All-Conference 1st Team honors in 2016 at Biola • Led the team with 1,581 total minutes • Played in all 17 of the Eagles' matches, earning starts in all 17 • Scored two goals, including the game-winner against Hope International • Had three assists to push his point total to seven (fourth on the team) ACADEMY OF ART • Player one season for the knights, logging the most minutes played among his freshman class • Appeared in 18 matches HIGH SCHOOL • Two-time Freeway League Best Defensive Player • Prepped four varsity seasons at Fullerton Union HS, graduating in 2014 • Named to All-CIF first team in 2014 • Also ran track at Fullerton Union, medaling in the 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 400m, and High Jump • Earned a club national championship in 2013 with West Coast FC Premier Club Accomplishments: - West Coast FC, 2013 U18 National Champions Overland Park - West Coast FC, 2014 U18 National Championship 3rd Place

"Coach Samuel is really professional.

For over four decades, I've cultivated a passion for soccer, helping players of all levels refine their skills and deepen their love for the game. My extensive experience allows me to provide tailored coaching, fostering both individual growth and team success. I look forward to sharing my expertise with you on the field. Person first delivery to facilitate learning, development of self in both the target activity, and holistic aptitude to community integration for prosocial growth and social connection. Be the best individual you want and can be while also supporting those around you. Prosper together in a collective approach as we all grow and benefit. I've been fortunate to hold various coaching positions that have enabled the best facilitation of teams who have excelled in the methodology and philosophy it takes to become champions. Through consistency and attention to detail in how collective teams formulate the best version of themselves with a culture that develops trust, honesty, and camaraderie between each and every member of the team. Coaching Certification: United Soccer Coaches/University of Delaware - Master Coach. United Soccer Coaches - Premier Diploma. United Soccer Coaches - Advanced National Diploma. United Soccer Coaches/ISPAS - Game Review Data Analyst, Level-3. UEFA - C Diploma. FAW - C License. USSF - C License. USSF - Regional Emeritus Referee/Mentor. NISOA - Former Referee official.

With a +1.9 handicap and a strong background in collegiate golf, I placed 3rd in the MDJUCO Championship and graduated from the Golf Academy of America. I am a certified instructor with Go Gator Golf, dedicated to helping players improve their skills and achieve their goals on the course. My passion for golf and commitment to instruction drive me to support golfers of all levels in reaching their full potential.

Former collegiate pickleball player for UVA with a winning record in large-scale tournaments, including a recent Open Division title. I bring years of coaching experience in other sports and over a year specifically in pickleball to help players of all levels elevate their game.

"Joe was great at mentoring myself. We ended up doing a play with the coach lesson with two others. We went through transition zone and learned a lot. Great experience!

Having honed my skills to tournament-winning levels over five years, I'm passionate about sharing the joy and strategy of pickleball. I guide students of all levels with engaging instruction, helping you reach your pickleball goals and have fun on the court!

With 17 years dedicated to tennis instruction, I bring collegiate-level insight to every lesson. My passion is helping players of all abilities unlock their full potential on the court. I blend expert technique with fun, engaging drills to foster rapid improvement.