Guitar Lessons in Hiller, PA

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 Voice Flute Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

I view music education as a form of therapy. If my students continue to have a genuine desire to use music as an outlet for expression, stress regulation, confidence building, developing healthy relationships with themselves, etc, then I am doing my job. My teaching style adapts to meet the needs, interests, and goals of each individual student. I constantly strive to help highlight each student's strengths and work through their weaknesses. 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 Violin Cello Viola

I have been teaching private lessons for the last 6 years and began teaching in the public school system in spring of 2022. This fall, I will be a long-term substitute orchestra teacher for North Allegheny School District. My education at Duquesne was entirely focused on music education. I took various courses in instrument methodology for brass, woodwind, and string instruments, and studied leading pedagogy practices from distinguished educators. I studied cello with PSO musician Adam Liu, and performed challenging works for solo cello in my studio as well as orchestral works with the full Duquesne Symphony Orchestra. Read More

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 Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. 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