Music Lessons in Hopwood, PA

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I most often use "the Guitar, Phase 1," by Wm. Leavitt, published by Berklee Press. For this interested in Classical guitar, I use the Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vols, 1 2, and Segovia Scale Patterns. For those interested in Rock, Jazz or Blues styles, I generally use "A Modern Method for Guitar, Vols. 1, 2, 3" by Wm. Leavitt, published by Berklee Press. For adult beginners or intermediate / advanced students, an hour lesson is recommended. My approach will vary depending upon the goals and background of the student. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

What makes a good clarinetist is not just someone with excellent technique and breath control. I strive to teach my clients to attain not just those skills, but most importantly to use their playing to connect with the audience, tell a story, and change lives. My lesson plan ensures that my clients build a strong foundation in their clarinet embouchure, tone, technical skills, and musicality. I love to encourage my students and to push them to become successful musicians. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My goal as a teacher is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for music and the clarinet with my students. I prioritize creating a strong “toolkit” of fundamental skills that we can use for all of the music we perform. Beyond teaching these fundamental skills, I find it important to introduce my students to historical and modern repertoire, clarinet and music history, audition and performance strategies, and other important musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

Lessons with Arias are always tailored to the individual student and that student's needs in order to facilitate maximum growth as a trumpet player and musician. Arias believes in an individualized approach, meeting the student where he/she is and moving forward through the developmental process, beginning with a strong base of fundamentals and an ever-present focus on musicality, expression, and exploration as an artist. Arias works to foster a positive learning environment where the student can learn and develop a positive self-image and confidence, while also being pushed to achieve their maximum potential as a musician and person. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

From a young age, I have always enjoyed being involved in music. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I found a home in the musical community within my town. I always will remember being inspired and challenged by lesson teachers, band and choir directors, and general music teachers that I have experienced throughout my life. The community of musicians and teachers that I have worked with inspired me to study and work towards becoming a music educator. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been playing guitar and bass for 32 years, and I have studied with some of the most well-respected rock, classical and jazz musicians in the world, including Jeffery Mangone (principal bassist of the Pittsburgh Opera), Jeff Grubbs (bassist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), jazz great Dwayne Dolphin, Dino Fiumara (owner/founder of BSX Bass), Joey Granati (G-Force, Granati Brothers), and Berklee School of Music graduate Rick Mals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My methodology contains five planks: Listening - exploring important music for the saxophone as well as other instruments; Fundamentals - engaging in exercises to improve overall facility with the saxophone as a whole; Scales - playing scales and technical exercises to improve dexterity and and fluidity on the saxophone; Etudes - completing weekly etude assignments to gain speed as a learner Repertoire - performing and practicing core pieces written for the saxophone as well as jazz standards. Read More