Music Lessons in New Salem, PA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

In the first lesson, I find out what my students' goals and interests are, whether it be learning music for fun, working toward a performance, brushing up on technique, etc. Once we have established a clear goal, I work together with my students to devise a plan for achieving said goal. For example, if a student wants to take voice lessons for fun, we start each lesson with several different vocal exercises for warming up the voice and exploring technique. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Considering my background, most students who want to study with me expect and want a serious, structured approach. In most cases, especially with beginning level students, I recommend using a method book with clearly defined progressive assignments, eventually supplementing by applying learned skills to whatever musical styles the student is interested in. More advanced students might need an explanation of theoretical concepts and applications, or technical studies. If they plan to be long term students, we might also aim to patch up educational gaps , such as reading skill, or technical problems such as proper hand positions along the way. Read More

Instruments: Piano

While in my formative years, I enjoyed weekly piano lessons with a woman that I've come to appreciate as my second mother. She has always encouraged my talent and made sure I was using proper form as often as possible, even when I adopted the hobby of transcribing popular music to the piano and playing from rote. She has truly helped me appreciate the nuance and freedom of piano, and I joined Musika to pass that along to even more students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe that anyone can learn music and can play piano beautifully! I begin using a method book and branch out into music that they love! I love the Faber and Faber method.  It combines performance, theory, technique, ear training, transposition, and so many unique skills and styles.  It really gives the student the opportunity to try everything.  It also allows the instructor to tailor each lesson to the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very passionate and motivated instructor who truly enjoys sharing my love and curiosity of music with everyone. In 2016, I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Jazz Studies. Some of the the highlights of my musical career have been studying under legendary Pittsburgh jazz guitarist, Joe Negri, and world renowned jazz pianist, Geri Allen at University of Pittsburgh. I am also an active performer throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York with my own jazz, funk, and jam group, The Clock Reads and have shared the stage with acts such as Poogie Bell, The Werks, Consider the Source, Robert Randolph. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

There is nothing more gratifying for me than seeing my students grow on their instruments, develop knowledge, and improve the way they play the violin. I try to encourage them as much as possible, and I try to make them feel committed to the practice of the instrument as a fun activity for them. I set realistic goals for the short and long term, based on their needs, that way they can accomplish those goals and see progress. Read More