Devon has been teaching our nearly 8-year-old son Jonah for the past
two years. Since day one Jonah has been more engaged, more excited and
more interested in piano than any other activity. Piano and his time
with Devon have become the highlights of his week. Throughout the two
years working with Devon, we've not only seen Jonah's skills improve,
and his interest peak, but we noticed a significant increase in his
self-confidence.
Devon has been amazing working with Jonah, pushing him, encouraging
him and relating to a 7-year-old to make the learning process fun.
Sometimes Jonah is so excited to see Devon that he ends up talking
Devon's ear off for more than half the lesson. Devon is patient,
talented, and has taught Jonah at the perfect pace...pushing him when
he needs pushing, and reviewing and practicing songs over and over.
We've been beyond pleased working with Devon and we highly recommend
him as a piano and music teacher.
Jonah (Parents Danny & Shira)Piano and Guitar Student My son Ryan started taking piano lessons with Devon two years ago and
was engaged from the start. Ryan is the kind of kid that needs the
right teacher match and Devon is that kind of teacher. He keeps new
music coming so the kids don't have the chance to become bored. He
picks music at the right level for your child and will match the music
choices to your kid's taste rather than a generic curriculum. After
about a year, Ryan added guitar lessons with Devon and he's now
learning to play two instruments with a weekly 45-minute lesson. Devon
is very flexible when it comes to sports, vacations, or other things
that might require a different time or the occasional missed lesson. I
highly recommend Devon for children looking to learn or advance on
piano or guitar.
Ryan (Parent Christine) Kensington, MDPiano and Guitar Student We wholeheartedly recommend Devon Kardell as a music instructor for
children and young adults. He is able to help students of all ability
levels relate to music on their own terms by allowing them to play
music that they are interested in. He introduces students to the
classic piano repertoire, but is just as enthusiastic teaching them
the latest pop song, a power rock anthem or a Broadway show tune. He
is flexible and easy-going, yet very knowledgeable about musical
performance. It has been a pleasure watching Devon introduce
musicianship and the love of music to our two children.
Daniel and Molly (Parents Tucker & Sheila) Kensington, MD In the summer of 2008,my son Gabe, who was 11, came home from camp,
sat at my dusty upright piano and played two songs he had learned.
They sounded reasonably good and I asked him if he would like to start
piano lessons. He said yes, I asked a neighbor and received Devon’s
name and number and that’s where it all began. Continuing now for 10
years with Devon and Gabe’s younger sister Rachel, I find Devon to be
a phenomenal teacher. His style of teaching motivates the kids to do
their best; they don’t want to disappoint Devon and in turn, they
don’t disappoint themselves. Devon works hard to find music that works
for the child and when necessary, arranges/tweaks the written sheet
music (which is quite a talent in and of itself). Devon is always
positive and encouraging. I am convinced my children would not have
reached their level of music success without Devon.
Gabe & Rachel (Parents Leisa & Eddie) Olney, MD Devon has been teaching piano to our daughter for fours years starting
when she was in the first grade. It is amazing how much she has
progressed during this time for such a young person. Never once has
she wanted to quit, Devon keeps lessons fun and interesting each week.
Devon has great patience and a real gift for working with kids.
Although he does not teach her vocals he still encourages that desire
of hers and allows her to combine that with her piano. Devon is
inspiring to her and extremely talented. We are so thankful to have
Devon in our life and are certain that he is a big reason why she is
so passionate about music.
Macie (Mom Kellie) Devon Kardell is an incredible piano teacher. We were lucky enough to
have Devon referred to us when my daughter was going into high school.
She had had several piano teachers over the years. Her interest had
been decreasing with playing the same "standard" songs over and over
again and she had lost her passion for playing. Devon brought Jenna's
love for piano back again! He is not the "traditional" type of piano
teacher. He is so much more... a true collaborator that tailors his
lessons to the needs and wants of his students. He helps them to learn
in the way that works best for them. Any student would be lucky to
have Devon as their teacher!
Jenna (Mom Sharon) Devon has been teaching my six-year-old daughter in our home for the
last year. He meets the kids at their level, in developing not only
their playing ability but also their ability to read music and
understand basic musicology. He not only teaches, but also
incorporates games and worksheets and has even let my daughter write
music. She loves it!
Ahalya (Mom Gauri) Devon Kardell has been my children's piano teacher for the past six
years and is an excellent piano teacher. He is always enthusiastic and
supportive and very patient. He encourages them to pick songs that
they would like to play on piano and also comes up with great
suggestions of pieces for them to learn. He is very open to teaching
songs that my children listen to - from rock to pop, and not just
classical music. My children were complete beginners when they started
learning piano, and now are accomplished music readers and pianists,
with my son playing in his high school jazz band. As their mother, I
didn't know how to read music at all, and a couple of months ago I
started piano lessons with Devon. In that short time, I can't believe
how much I have accomplished in reading music and playing piano. I
highly recommend Devon as a piano teacher and guitar teacher.
Demetri and Dani (Mom Andrea) My family has known Devon as a teacher since 2008, when we moved to
the area from Boston, MA. My then eight-year-old had asked to learn
the guitar. She had done two years of piano, but had quit due to being
pushed too hard at a young age. I needed someone who would work with
my naturally shy child and get her learn to love music again. Devon
totally fit the bill. His energy, enthusiasm and innate love of music
spilled over to my daughter. Within two years he had her not only
playing guitar, but back to piano and even willing to sing for a video
promotion about food allergies at her end of year performance. He was
always able to teach her whatever music she wanted, due to his amazing
ear and ability to figure out the notes, even if he hadn’t heard the
song before. He often came with handmade games to teach theory and
notes, making the not so fun part of learning music, fun! Although my
oldest is no longer taking lessons, her guitar goes with her almost
everywhere and she stills enjoys sitting at the piano when she is
home. She is no longer nervous about singing in front of people. Music
has become a positive, balancing force in her often busy and sometimes
challenging life thanks to Devon.
Today, Devon teaches my other two daughters piano, with the same
enthusiasm as back in 2008. He provides a great blend of classical
piano with a selection of music of their choice including rock,
Broadway and pop, as well as music theory. He once again is working
to encourage my youngest to sing and play, which is something she
wants, but is often extremely shy about doing. He always arrives with
a smile and excitement for the girls’ lessons and his natural kindness
is something we value and has added to the reasons we have continued
with him as a teacher for so many years.
Coral, Aurora and Cici (Parents Dawn & Chris) Devon started teaching our daughter to play piano when she was in
kindergarten. She has learned both classic and modern songs. Devon
makes lessons fun by encouraging kids to choose songs they would like
to learn, rather than presenting lessons as a chore. He also has
encouraged our daughter to sing as she plays piano, which she
absolutely loves! Devon is a musical savant; he can hear a few notes
of a song and not only play the song immediately, but also write the
song on paper. He has started teaching our son who was tough to warm
to piano, but Devon has used his casual, fun approach to keep him
engaged. We can’t thank Devon enough for giving our kids the gift of
music! He is patient, kind, and extremely talented!
Evalyn (Parents Nicole & Steve)