Music Lessons in Vandergrift, PA

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I have many books for beginners that I used growing up. I usually get a feel how the student is going to learn to enjoy music and then go from there. There are different types of beginner books, one focusing more on the technical aspect and the other one on note reading right from the start, so its really based on how the student learns and take small steps from there. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I understand each student is different, so it's about what they need instead of what I want them to be. I am extremely adaptable and flexible. I've heard a lot of stories from my students where their previous music teachers discouraged them by not listening to them at all. Me myself had similar experience as well, therefore, I completely understand how terrifying it could get when students needs are not being heard. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Lessons NEED to be enjoyable, almost memorable experience. My philosophy is: as a teacher, the student should want to have another lesson the following week. Meaning, having something say a scale, 3 notes, a chord, or almost a whole song really understanding and sticks to the mind. This should make the student want to learn something new the following week, continuing the snowball effect of music theory (jamming as the kids say it). Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I love seeing a students eyes light up when they get excited about music or figure our that they can now do something they were not able to do before. Therefore, I am a big proponent of encouraging and not being too critical. When a student feels they have someone rooting for them and not just telling them what to do, it makes the whole process that much more fun. 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