Music Lessons in Philadelphia, PA

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum; all my lesson plans are customized to each individual student. Technique is very important, but no more so than being able to apply it in a musical way. My goal is to get the student up and running on their instrument quickly, applying tools and techniques from each lesson. I have found this approach makes lessons informative, interesting and fun! Read More

Instruments: Cello

For younger beginners, I like to start with a method book such as Essential Elements to build the foundations of music and the instruments. After students have worked through this, we begin working on solo repertoire to get students excited to perform songs at their first recital! This is also a great time to begin learning about improvisation and creative playing, something that we all already have within us. Students learn the basics of improv through fun games, songs, and duets to build their confidence and hone their voice. 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 Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

I began giving private guitar instruction towards the end of my college studies, and after graduation taught group and private lessons at a music school. At that school I taught a vast range of ages, skill levels, and instruments, from 4 year old beginners, to teenage experts, to adults who needed a brush-up. I learned the wondrous potential of motivated students with supportive parents as well as the futility of forcing an instrument or a style on a student that actually wanted to explore something else. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More

Instruments: Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have taught private lessons since before I graduated High School. I've playing in rock bands on drumset, pit orchestra on assorted percussion, marching bands in school and in community settings, and pretty much anything else you can name that has percussion in it. I've taught ages ranging from Kindergarten to 60+ year old retirees. I was musical director of elementary and middle school Show choruses. I was vocal coach for Deptford HS musical up until 1999. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate where I would teach and mentor incoming freshman placed in our studio. During the summers I would teach locally and fill in for past mentors who were on tour. This allowed me the fortune of teaching both beginners and advanced students. I strongly recommend consistent practice as I firmly believe an hour a day far out performs 5-7 on one day. A students growth is mostly contributed to ones own passion and discipline however as long as the student is willing to learn, then I am willing to help nurture their devotion and maturity to allow them to become as good of a instrumentalist that they wish to become. Read More