Music Lessons in Finleyville, PA

Instruments: Guitar

My approach and methods of teaching are simply this: Enjoy the learning experience without getting bogged down with staring at sheet music for hours on end. Ear training and motor memory will provide a much more enjoyable learning experience and will render results at a much faster pace than "books". However, "books" are important to some degree I admit. But, practice and dedication will render the most important result....and that is ....PLAYING AND ENJOYING THE GUITAR!!!!!!!....and the music and joy it brings along. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I am a patient and empathetic teacher who puts students' needs first instead of enforcing my ideas on them. I am currently completing my PhD in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh, where I just defended my dissertation for graduation. I did my Masters at Manhattan School of Music in Music Composition. Prior to my PhD studies, I also taught piano and music theory at Brooklyn Musical Arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I’m enthusiastic about teaching children all aspects of music, including music history and appreciation, movement, and theory. I hope to help students develop listening and sight singing skills, as well as improving their technique. My teaching style is focused and active. I appeal to students’ learning modalities by varying my approach; visual demonstrations, listening activities, dancing, and drawing combine to enhance student understanding. Students are encouraged to join ensembles and seek performance venues. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many students who just want to play a few songs. My approach is to give the student a skill set that would allow them to eventually learn a song without having to go to a teacher. I'm not the sort of teacher who just shows a student where to place their fingers to play a song without understanding what they're doing. I try to instill a deeper understanding of the workings of instrument, until the student becomes self-sufficient. 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: Clarinet

For beginner students, I start with teaching them the foundational clarinet skills including: embouchure, breathing, tonguing, and music theory. I then proceed to teach them the chromatic and major scales as well as arpeggios. I typically have students start off with working through the Essential Elements for Band and Rubank books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance or audition piece. Read More