Music Lessons in Woodlynne, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginners, I like to use the Faber and Faber series. They do a wonderful job incorporating reading, listening, and writing into the curriculum. I also think creativity is a huge part of music. I love asking students to write their own songs. When I play their compositions on the piano, their reactions are priceless! For older beginners, advanced students, and voice students I use a similar approach but with supplemental materials. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I am a passionate music educator who loves working with students and sharing the joy of music. I graduated in May 2015 from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education with a Concentration in Clarinet. I have enjoyed playing with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra on Bass Clarinet and playing in other ensembles. I have also enjoyed teaching saxophones and clarinet sections in Pittsburgh area marching bands. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For people just picking up the instrument for the first time, I find “Essential Elements for Strings” to be a very helpful because it addresses basic technical issues and throws in fun songs and pieces along the way. In these books, the students can learn everything from scales and rhythm to vibrato and shifting from different positions. I like to have students playing repertoire as soon as possible and I find Barbara Barber’s “Solo’s for Young Violists/Violinists” to be great for beginners because the music starts off at the beginner level and gets more and more advanced as the books progress. 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: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience covers a number of musical environments. I worked for local non-profit music educational program, Creative Life Support, where I taught songwriting, recording, and performance to underprivileged and homeless youth in Pittsburgh. I have my own private students which I travel to their homes to study, and work for a teaching studio in Mars, PA. Music has always been a special and amazing part of my life, and sharing my love, curiosity, and excitement on the subject is a passion of mine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

Arias is both an avid performer and educator of the trumpet and piano. She is currently a member of the Brass Band of Appalachia based out of Bristol, VA and an active freelance musician in the Pittsburgh area. She recently performed at the William Adam International Trumpet Festival; the International Trumpet Guild Conference; and was featured as a soloist with the Appalachian State University Concert Band. A native of West Union, Ohio, Arias grew up on a farm in the Ohio Valley where she spent her days either playing the trumpet for her adoring audience (her animals) or out adventuring on the farm with her horses, goats, dogs, and cats. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My goal as a teacher is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for music and the clarinet with my students. I prioritize creating a strong “toolkit” of fundamental skills that we can use for all of the music we perform. Beyond teaching these fundamental skills, I find it important to introduce my students to historical and modern repertoire, clarinet and music history, audition and performance strategies, and other important musical skills. Read More