Music Lessons in Philadelphia, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Students who are young beginners, I like to start with Hal Leonard's My First Piano. It's written for ages 5 and 6 full of excitement and imagination. Once the student has completed the C level of this book, or if I feel as though they are ready for the next level sooner than expected, we will move on to solo repertoire. Even tho this text is written for young children, I still like to utilize some of the rhythm games for my older students as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students Ill usually start with George Lawrences Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. Once I know they have a grasp of the fundamentals, Ill usually see what their interests are or what they are working on personally and help them improve and build upon those things. This could be repertoire for school or auditions or simply a song they have been trying to learn for a while. Once I understand the students interests and goals I try and tailor my curriculum to that. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style begins with creating a positive environment for the student to keep them encouraged and wanting to continue their study. I try to keep the students engaged by finding a balance of what the students want to work on, as well as what I want them to be working on. I understand that every student learns differently, and I won't teach every student the same way. I will give the students goals to reach every week, so they can see the progress themselves, and I always ensure to acknowledge when a student has succeeded with something that was assigned to them. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My approach as a teacher is to see what the voice is already doing and improve on the foundation that we already have. All music-making is positive music-making. My students love that I laugh and chat with them during our lessons. I primarily teach Musical theater and characterization, but I can also teach classical music and diction (languages). I believe that style, voice phenomenons, language/diction, artistic innovation, decision-making, characterization, and active choice-making are the best ways to get someone to make great music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I use the following method books, depending on the age and ability of the student: Alfred, Bastian and John Thompson. For younger students (under eight years old) I usually use the Alfred all in one book.. for older children, I use the Bastian set of four books: piano performance, technic and theory. For adults and teenagers, I use the Alfred all in one adult method book. For gifted students, I use the John Thompson book (the one I learned from). Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

As I mentioned before, I evaluate each student’s starting ability and talent and devise a starting point accordingly.  I strive to motivate and inspire each student so that they begin to love the music they play and understand it well.  I teach each student based on his/her ability and potential and see that they make progress at their own pace.  I encourage progress and results as well as enjoyment of practicing and playing music.  I emphasize techniques and every musical ingredient necessary to achieve a superior, artistic level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing for me as a teacher is to see my students having fun, and really enjoying learning their instrument. I want to see them be passionate about getting better because they’re excited about what’s coming next. By learning about the students goals, and also learning about their musical taste and the kinds of music that inspire them, I can create a lesson plan that totally dedicated to each individual student so that they get the most out of their lesson, and so that I get them closer to their goal. Read More