Music Lessons in Norristown, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I believe that studying music has value far beyond simply learning an instrument. I hope that my students are inspired by music, and really feel the freedom to treat it as a creative outlet. Additionally, practicing consistently teaches discipline. Even for beginners, it is better to practice for 10 minutes every day than four hours once a week. I try to be as encouraging as possible, and will also provide opportunities for students to play with others or perform for friends/family. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

I tend to start beginners off with a typical book, usually by Mel Bay or Hal Leonard. I find these books to provide a good basis for music reading and building the required skill set to master their instrument. In addition to those materials, I find music through various on-line sites and from my inventory that students are interested in playing and compliments their abilities. For my adult students, I curtail the lessons to focus on the songs they want to play and understand their goals for playing at this stage in their life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

My approach to teaching is, basically, that playing piano should be enjoyable and fun so I tailor the lessons to the type of music in which the student has interest. I do, however, have a basic structure that includes reading music, finger dexterity and songs at the student's playing level. If there is an interest in contemporary music I have an "easy to learn" approach to chords and accompaniments. I also give lessons in music composition. Read More

Instruments: Cello

More than anything else, I try to grow a love for the cello and music, because without a passion, lessons can be a drag (trust me, I know!). I try to incorporate some of the student's other interests into the lessons, ie. pop music, art, even science! I also place a lot of value on progressing at the student's own pace and understanding when a student doesn't really like a particular piece, not to spend too much time on it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With banjo I usually begin with The Janet Davis banjo book-it has proved to be a great stepping stone into the more valuable Scruggs Books. We begin by learning some key fundamental rolls and then use to play some easy songs. Then we move to the more complex Slides, Pull-offs and hammer-ons and how to blend into the rolls. Every student I've ever taught graduates to the Earl Scruggs looks! Read More