V.J. Hyde, M.A., MTBC
I have been a music educator and music therapist for over 25 years. I believe that music has the potential to transform and shape lives. I strive to meet my clients "where they are" in their individual learning and developmental processes in order to help them reach their goals at their own pace.
Since 2005, I have been providing individualized instruction in guitar, bass, piano and drums to students in Northern Virginia. As a multi-instrumentalist who is comfortable playing all genres, I aim to provide my students with a mastery of their instruments and a sense of accomplishment at every lesson. I currently teach special education and am a music therapist with Arlington County Public Schools. Previously I have taught music and performing arts, and, provided group and individual music therapy sessions for students in Fairfax County Public Schools. I was the founding director of the Creative Arts Therapy department at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C. as well as the hospital's lead music therapist. In addition to my experiences in the clinical applications of music as well as music pedagogy, I am also a well-established performer and recording artist who is constantly seeking out exciting opportunities to create incredible music.
Prior to moving to the Northern Virginia area I taught at the Music Institute of Chicago where I was also a teaching artist through the Chicago Public School system and a music therapist with the Institute for Therapy through the Arts in Chicago, IL. I received my Bachelor's in music therapy from Loyola University New Orleans, and a Master's in music therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. In 2018, I obtained my Virginia Teaching license with endorsements in both Special Education and Music (K-12). I believe that music has the ability to access personal strengths and circumvent barriers to help anyone achieve their life goals.
When I am not teaching or playing music, my wife and I are busy raising our two wonderful daughters, and our dog, Captain Hastings.