Guitar Lessons in Bulger, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Once upon a time, one of my co-workers asked me to show her how to play some songs on the guitar. I can't remember exactly what those songs were, but I think it was Led Zeppelin, or something like that. Having never taught a lesson in my life up until that point, I reluctantly agreed, and later that week, she arrived at my front door with guitar in hand. As the lesson went on, I had a couple of "Aha" moments! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience covers a number of musical environments. I worked for local non-profit music educational program, Creative Life Support, where I taught songwriting, recording, and performance to underprivileged and homeless youth in Pittsburgh. I have my own private students which I travel to their homes to study, and work for a teaching studio in Mars, PA. Music has always been a special and amazing part of my life, and sharing my love, curiosity, and excitement on the subject is a passion of mine. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

My main repertoire for teaching comes from William's Levitt's "A Modern Method for Guitar". It comes with Three Volumes, and from beginner to intermediate anywhere in the book is a great place to start! From basic music reading to learning different positions, I believe that these books provide a cornerstone for even the more advanced players to refresh on in the beginning! I also strongly encourage students to bring in whatever songs or pieces they are passionate about and allow myself to build a curriculum based on their tastes and musical preferences. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although I began performing and teaching while still a teenager, I consider the beginning of my full time career to begin upon my graduation from Berklee (1979). I had taught on and off through C.A. House Music in Wheeling, WV, and also as a teaching assistant during my years of graduate study. In 1994, I developed WVU's first program in Guitar Performance, where I taught until 2018. During this period I also taught at Frostburg University, Washington Jefferson University, and West Liberty University, where I continue as an adjunct Professor of Guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Once again, my philosophy with teaching has always been learning through fun and engaging activities that enhance a lesson. I want my space to be open, fun and positive. Nothing is worse than dreading a lesson or time together. I want the students to be willing to take chances and risks that lead to accomplishing their goals. I want the students to have input within their lessons when it comes to the music itself and how they want to progress. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I typically recommend that all beginner students start with Hal Leonard's guitar method books to learn the essential notes, chords, scales, styles, and music theory. After a student becomes comfortable with the basics, I begin diving into what styles or genres the student enjoys or favors. Tailoring lessons for each individual student is very important to my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I follow the American String Teachers Association's curriculum for orchestra education as a guideline for the skills and techniques that students must develop. The skills are developmentally sequenced and build upon one another like a stack of blocks. In each of my lessons, I assess what students know and what students could practice, and together, we remediate and master each skill or technique. I also frequently ask for student input on what music we are playing and what the student's goals are in order to better tailor each lesson. Read More