Guitar Lessons in Hilltop, PA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I will introduce basic guitar and musical terminology and focus and proper form of playing. Once certain fundamentals have been established I will begin to introduce a repertoire based on the student's interests and skill level. Depending on the age of the student I will start them on Berklee's Guitar Method I if they are old enough. I find it particular useful will adult students to know what types of music they are personally interested in and cater lessons to their interests. Read More

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 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 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

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Joe is an active member of AES and the American Federation of Musicians. 2016 Joe starts work on his latest project Joe Mac’s American Garage with a debut album to be released in 2019 with a cast of up and coming musicians and superstars including Grammy Award Artist Madukwu Chinwah, Steve Major (King Friday), Victor Tasson (Unified Past), David Kowalski, John Palumbo (Crack The Sky), Phil Naro (DDrive), Vinni de Paul (Crack The Sky), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Pete Hewllett (Billy Joel), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Trai’D & Tom Braxton. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Bassoon Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style varies depending on the level of the student. For beginners, I often keep my approach lax and hope to not overwhelm them, as Ive seen many a beginner quit due to lack of confidence and understanding. Every student requires a different approach not just due to their skill level but also their personality. Certain students dont take criticism well, while others may only improve through it. I always try to be kind and understanding no matter where my students skill level or passion is at. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

Seeing a student progress and dive into their own passions in their music career is one of the most important things of this art. I strongly believe that each student should progress in their own time frame based on their own determination, with a strong emphasis on a regular practice schedule. Also by encouraging the student's tastes rather than attempting to drill the tastes of my own into them, it can become a very awarding process! Read More