Music Lessons in Jeffersonville, PA

Instruments: Voice

I have a routine that I use for the lesson time--breath exercises followed by the vocal warm up and then working on a piece. During that process I always encourage an open dialogue between myself and every student. I want to student to feel as comfortable as possible and always have the option to ask questions and take part in their development as a singer. My goal is to provide a nurturing and inspirational environment for every singer, despite that individual's level of singing or experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I see teaching as a gateway to help students express their creativity, while incorporating a disciplined approach to help them achieve more from challenged in life in general. i don't simply field song requests, I also explain to my students the inner workings of why certain musical concepts work, why the artist may have chosen that and how you as the student can incorporate these creative ideas into your own compositions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching music since graduating with a Bachelor's degree in music education in 1991. While I have had an active performing career, I have always had more of an interest in teaching. I have taught privately in my own music studio, taught elementary music and choir, high school music theory and guitar, published my own series of method books and given seminars to teachers on developing their own guitar programs as well as infusing technology into their lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I make sure that beginner students understand the instrument and start with the proper technique before they can develop bad habits. I try to pick a song or finger exercises for them each lesson as well as a few exercises where they can develop their reading skills. As a student becomes more comfortable with the instrument that is when we can get into more challenging pieces of music as well as different scales and exercises that will help them with their improvising as well as their overall understanding of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

In addition to drum set, I also teach djembe (West African), bodhran (Celtic), doumbek (Middle Eastern) and conga (Afro-Cuban). My favorite thing about teaching is watching students develop into creative musicians and finding their own voice. My playing and teaching has always been based in tradition, but not bound by it. I have found that keeping a relaxed, fun atmosphere during lessons allows students to learn at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Voice

If I were to describe my teaching approach in a few words, those words would be fun, flexibility, patience, and excitement.When a student has a breakthrough with their singing, confidence, their self- or kinesthetic awareness, whatever it may be, I get so excited; it is really cool to see the look on a student's face and hear the excitement in their voice when they really "get" something!For me and as experienced by most of my students, voice lessons are about so much more than just learning to sing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For all students, I start off with the basic fundamentals. Proper setup, posture, stick position, and technique. I then will hand write some examples and assess the student. From there I usually will use Alfred's Beginning Drum Set Method. Once the student has a grasp on that, I will focus on rudimental drumming and snare rhythms to accompany the drum fill portion of the Alfred's book. From there we move into more advanced books that include jazz drumming and complex rock beats as well as learning popular songs of the student's choice. Read More