Guitar Lessons in Dunlevy, PA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I meet with students for an introductory lesson. We discuss their goals. I suggest method books, online learning tools, and other strategies that they can use while they study and practice. During lessons, we review songs, techniques, theory, and other concepts that they are studying and need to improve on. In my experience, by providing a custom lesson plan, students can improve in the areas that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very passionate and motivated instructor who truly enjoys sharing my love and curiosity of music with everyone. In 2016, I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Jazz Studies. Some of the the highlights of my musical career have been studying under legendary Pittsburgh jazz guitarist, Joe Negri, and world renowned jazz pianist, Geri Allen at University of Pittsburgh. I am also an active performer throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York with my own jazz, funk, and jam group, The Clock Reads and have shared the stage with acts such as Poogie Bell, The Werks, Consider the Source, Robert Randolph. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

In all of my teaching, I combine my students' interests with the leading pedagogy practices in string education to develop the foundational skills of the instrument as well as a fondness for it. There are several method books that I use such as Suzuki, Schroeder's Cello Etudes, and Fiddler's Philharmonic, however, I tailor each lesson path to each student based on student interest as well as proper sequencing. I generally start with these method books, especially for cello, for beginning students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been a professor of guitar for more than two dozen years at four nearby universities, teaching through the Master's level in Jazz and Classical Guitar Performance. Many of my former students have been or are currently professors of guitar at colleges and universities (WVU, West Virginia Wesleyan, Kenyan, Fairmont State, McHenry, Bethany, Frostburg), have been admitted to prestigous musical conservatories or universities, placed as finalists in statewide musical competitions, or have established themselves as performers or teachers in the field. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

There is not one specific method that I use to teach; I use combinations of various methods which I have learned over the years, and I tailor the lessons to best fit each individual student's level and what they are interested in musically. While I recommend learning to read music, I will not force anyone to do it if they don't want to. And just remember, even Jimi Hendrix couldn't read music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical guitar students, I've found the best methods to building a good foundation as well as technique is both the Christopher Parkening and Frederick Noad methods. The student also gets a great selection of repertoire to go along with the basics of technique in each. For all other styles of playing, I've found that the Berklee Guitar Methods work well in building the fundamentals in a students playing in the beginning stages. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that learning should be enjoyable, and to achieve that, I blend classical and modern music in my lessons. After all, if a student isnt having fun, Im not fulfilling my role as an instructor! My teaching philosophy extends beyond just playing notes. I actively encourage my students to participate in competitions and recitals, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. Read More