Music Lessons in Petrolia, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back to my college days as I began teaching as an instructor for a local high school marching band, leading their woodwind sectionals and marching clinics. I began teaching full-time in 1992 and temporarily left full-time teaching in 1998 when my daughter was born. It was at this time that I first opened my home up to teaching privately. This ended up to be a great experience, and when I moved to Texas the following year, I began teaching with the Katy ISD private lesson program with a full-time load of students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning and intermediate clarinet and saxophone students I like using the Yamaha Advantage books or the Belwin Series. I like to use these lesson books and supplement with solo and duet material. I always encourage my students to bring in material they'd like to work on, from school band music to popular tunes they are intereseted in learning. I think it is important for all aspiring musicians to collaborate with others and make sure to play along with students in our lessons. I ask my students to plan their practice time each week, as I know how busy we all are! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I was 8 years old, my aunt gave me my very first piano lesson. I have such fond memories of that time with her. I still remember how we would sit on the couch and I'd try to name off the notes on my music flashcards as quickly as possible so no card would be put in the back of the pile for a redo! Fast-forward a few years and I am a Bemidji State University alumna with a dual degree in K-12 vocal music education and piano performance & pedagogy and a recent graduate with my masters degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Miami, Frost school of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I tailor each lesson to the student. I don't like to follow a 'one size fits all approach'. Every student is different and I don't think it benefits my students to use a cookie cutter approach to every student. Additionally, each students have different goals. I focus my lessons on their students achieving their INDIVIDUAL goals as opposed to a standard curriculum. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am generally laid back and understanding of a student's wishes and goals when learning a new instrument. Most folks are not trying to become world-class players on the bagpipe and I recognize that. The more laid back my student is, the more laid back I am. If a student is very serious, then I will match that and be very serious as an instructor. I think it's important to understand why a person is learning, and what they wish to get out of it. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

No matter the student's particular interests, there are a few things that are fundamental to all drummers and percussionists. We will start with the most basic techniques for producing a note: grips and stroke types. I take care to make sure the student is aware of physical tendencies that will inhibit their motion, and I keep these bad habits in check. We move on to focus on reading rhythms and subdividing a pulse. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I am open to whatever a student seeks to learn through guitar lessons. The more attention I give to a student's interests, the more motivation I see in their abilities. I feel that giving students goals helps them learn at an increasingly consistent rate. Read More