Music Lessons in Croydon, PA

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My next job was in the South Brunswick public school district where I taught elementary strings and band, as well as some general music classes. Upon leaving the public school system, I shifted my focus to teaching private individual lessons. Although I enjoyed working in the public schools, this was the best decision I ever made! I have found so much joy in being able to work with students one on one, to help them become the best musician they can be. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In the Summer of 2013, I performed the role of Suor Osmina in their production of Suor Angelica, and covered the roles of Fortuna and Venere in their production of Lcoronazione di Poppea. Rachel made my operatic debut with Rice University in their fall of 2012 production of Volpone as Celia. With Rice University, I was also featured in their scenes programs as Mimi from La Bohme, Ilia from Idomeneo, Rosalba from Florencia en el Amazonas, and Mrs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I am a laid back instructor that knows when the setting is right to encourage the student by leading them in the right direction to achieve their specific and unique goals. Each student is different and what works for one will not always work for another. By reminding the beginning student that we are all human and even the best musicians have started as complete amateurs, they can feel more comfortable making mistakes freely, that are bound to happen without feeling self-conscious. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy follows the belief that musical understanding and maturity are easier to discuss once the student is able to execute a variety of technical details. I often say that technique is teaching a student how to make ten shades of blue, but musicality is deciding which shade of blue to use. Musicality can be more subjective than technique, although there are certain guidelines for each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I can still remember the joy I felt when I first started playing drums and my passion is helping people experience that joy. In my musical career, spanning 38 years, I have performed with varied groups including: drumset with The Road Runners Blues Band, Catfish and Paul Plumeri Blues Band; West African, Middle Eastern and Afro-Cuban percussion with Groove Merchant Drum Dance Ensemble; bodhran and bones with traditional Celtic bands Kintail, Cwn Annwn and Browne Jenkyn; and snare drum with The First Highland Watch of Pennsylvania and Rev War Re-enactors First NJ Volunteers. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at Eustace, I won the Bishop Eustace Leadership in Music Award & the John Philip Sousa Award, the latter being a national award to honor the top student in high school band as it recognizes musicianship and outstanding dedication by one of the senior year members of the band. During my time at High School my involvement in music studies, classes, & advancement began & helped me find my voice in life & keep me out of any trouble a high schooler could be exposed or get into. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It is important to be musically ambidextrous: chances are, in your band's rehearsal, your other musicians will share ideas using tabs, not traditional notation. You can be the best note-reader on planet Earth, but if you cannot communicate a language others use, you find yourself stuck. I always incorporate music that my student likes to listen to, and frequently request Spotify or iTunes playlists for reference. I try to adapt pop songs into my curriculum (from their playlists) to teach chord theory and songwriting structure, and encourage students to write their own music. Read More