Private Lessons with Nana Vaughn
I offer private violin and viola lessons in my home studio in Ellicott City, Maryland, near Centennial High School. Depending on my current availability, new students are invited to schedule a trial lesson to see if our goals align. I would love to meet you!
Due to schedule constraints, I offer only a limited number of regular, reserved lesson slots, which provide the most consistent path for steady progress. I also offer flexible "drop-in" lessons, which are scheduled as availability allows. This option is ideal for new families getting started in the studio or for those with variable schedules who may not be able to commit to a weekly time. As openings arise, drop-in students will have first priority to transition into a reserved weekly slot. Currently I have openings for "drop-in" students only (as of July 2025). You can sign up for lessons on my lesson registration form.
After you join the studio, you will be sent login link for the MyMusicStaff.com app. Scheduling is easy and convenient through the app, where families can book, cancel, or reschedule lessons with just a few clicks. In addition, students may have opportunities to schedule extra or makeup lessons with my assistant teacher, Ryan Zeitler.
You can read my detailed lesson policies. All students and parents must agree to the policies when joining the studio.
I offer private violin and viola lessons in my home studio in Ellicott City, Maryland, near Centennial High School. Depending on my current availability, new students are invited to schedule a trial lesson to see if our goals align. I would love to meet you!
Due to schedule constraints, I offer only a limited number of regular, reserved lesson slots, which provide the most consistent path for steady progress. I also offer flexible "drop-in" lessons, which are scheduled as availability allows. This option is ideal for new families getting started in the studio or for those with variable schedules who may not be able to commit to a weekly time. As openings arise, drop-in students will have first priority to transition into a reserved weekly slot. Currently I have openings for "drop-in" students only (as of July 2025). You can sign up for lessons on my lesson registration form.
After you join the studio, you will be sent login link for the MyMusicStaff.com app. Scheduling is easy and convenient through the app, where families can book, cancel, or reschedule lessons with just a few clicks. In addition, students may have opportunities to schedule extra or makeup lessons with my assistant teacher, Ryan Zeitler.
You can read my detailed lesson policies. All students and parents must agree to the policies when joining the studio.
Studio Recital 2022
Nana's Rates
I currently charge $100 per hour and offer 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons depending on the student's age, playing level, and goals. I accept almost all forms of payment.
Summer Only Lessons
Some students might have a teacher who is away in the summer, or might want to try out summer lessons without an ongoing commitment. Feel free to sign up for Summer Only Lessons on my lesson registration form. If you wish to continue in the fall, you may start with "drop-in" lessons and transition to regular, reserved lessons slots as new openings occur.
Course of Study
The primary goal of private lessons is to guide students toward becoming independent, lifelong learners in music. This course of study builds a strong foundation in key areas such as physical setup, note reading, listening skills, interpretation, musicality, and ensemble playing. Regular at-home practice is essential for reinforcing concepts introduced during lessons. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to deepen their skills through various performance and creative projects, including an annual studio recital, audio recording projects, solo and ensemble festivals, and other events. Depending on their goals, students may also prepare for youth orchestra and all state auditions, summer programs, advanced ensembles, and college applications.
I currently charge $100 per hour and offer 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons depending on the student's age, playing level, and goals. I accept almost all forms of payment.
Summer Only Lessons
Some students might have a teacher who is away in the summer, or might want to try out summer lessons without an ongoing commitment. Feel free to sign up for Summer Only Lessons on my lesson registration form. If you wish to continue in the fall, you may start with "drop-in" lessons and transition to regular, reserved lessons slots as new openings occur.
Course of Study
The primary goal of private lessons is to guide students toward becoming independent, lifelong learners in music. This course of study builds a strong foundation in key areas such as physical setup, note reading, listening skills, interpretation, musicality, and ensemble playing. Regular at-home practice is essential for reinforcing concepts introduced during lessons. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to deepen their skills through various performance and creative projects, including an annual studio recital, audio recording projects, solo and ensemble festivals, and other events. Depending on their goals, students may also prepare for youth orchestra and all state auditions, summer programs, advanced ensembles, and college applications.
Teaching Philosophy
As both a parent and educator, Nana brings a deeply personalized approach to teaching. Raising three creative and unique children to adulthood — whose journeys included everything from the Davidson Young Scholars program to ADHD support and speech therapy—has shaped her belief that every student is an individual with distinct strengths, challenges, and aspirations. She draws on this perspective to meet each student where they are, tailoring instruction to support their growth not only as musicians, but as whole people. Her teaching emphasizes individual goal-setting and creates an environment where students feel recognized, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential.
As both a parent and educator, Nana brings a deeply personalized approach to teaching. Raising three creative and unique children to adulthood — whose journeys included everything from the Davidson Young Scholars program to ADHD support and speech therapy—has shaped her belief that every student is an individual with distinct strengths, challenges, and aspirations. She draws on this perspective to meet each student where they are, tailoring instruction to support their growth not only as musicians, but as whole people. Her teaching emphasizes individual goal-setting and creates an environment where students feel recognized, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential.
A virtual recital video created in my home studio (in this case the video is my then-nine year old daughter Mira, since I did not want to share other students' videos without permission.)