Music Lessons in Ingomar, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I began teaching lessons in college when I was in a piano pedagogy class. At that time, I also began teaching private band and string instruments. I had a student teaching experience where I was able to teach band instruments with students in grades 5-8. After that experience I accepted a job in North Carolina as an orchestra director. I also taught choir students, and I taught private piano and string students on the side. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students, I like to build a good foundation. I start with breathing exercises and a little mouthpiece buzzing. Then move on to a beginning book with helpful exercises as well as writing my own to tailor to the student's individual needs. I will begin to introduce solo repertoire once the student has a solid grasp on fundamentals and always encouraging them to keep practicing those key elements. I also like to incorporate anything the student might be interested in to keep the student engaged and excited to practice between lessons. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For people just picking up the instrument for the first time, I find “Essential Elements for Strings” to be a very helpful because it addresses basic technical issues and throws in fun songs and pieces along the way. In these books, the students can learn everything from scales and rhythm to vibrato and shifting from different positions. I like to have students playing repertoire as soon as possible and I find Barbara Barber’s “Solo’s for Young Violists/Violinists” to be great for beginners because the music starts off at the beginner level and gets more and more advanced as the books progress. 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

Instruments: Piano Voice

In my studio, I encourage students to look solely at their own track. Everyone's journey is different. We all start lessons at a different age, have different strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes! I welcome my students to share what they love...and hate... so I can tailor our time together to fit their specific learning styles. My teaching philosophy includes asking questions and planning activities that enhance cognitive function. I want to give my students the tools they need so they can look at a piece of music and say, "I know how to practice this," or "I can play this." If my students don't need me anymore, I have done my job! Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been teaching privately since 2003. In 2005 I Was hired as a violin instructor at Southeastern Louisiana Community Music School where I taught for 5 years. After my Graduate studies I accepted a teaching position at Duquesne University City Music Center. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My style is a blend of fun and high standards. I am very gifted at motivating people to go beyond what they can achieve on their own in a fun way. Each lesson contains performing of old pieces, learning of new pieces, theory, and technique  I believe that the student should be challenged to achieve their fullest potential while being encouraged.  Lessons should be fun and upbeat with lots of energy.  Students can achieve a great deal if they are challenged as well as loved, and if they are having fun! Read More