Piano Lessons in Allison, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

Young beginner piano students begin with Bastien's Piano Party combined with my unique curriculum developed from years of teaching early childhood music. As they age, students tend to lean towards their own peculiar interests, which I happily incorporate. Such suggestions are evidence of student growth and engagement! Flute students approach teachers with different sets of needs. While working on school and competition music, I supplement tone development with Eck, and use baroque studies for technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Art comes in all forms, in my mind. I believe that building the framework of ability is only the tip of the iceberg, and I have encouraged my students to tinker on the piano as well as practice their lessons. Learning what styles they enjoy and what their strengths are helps them to be creative, even in writing their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, we will go over the basics of single-note playing, as well as basic chords. We will also cover basic rhythms, so they can build up to playing their favorite songs. There are also many ways to be creative with music, and we may also play some musical games to make practicing more fun. If students are interested in composing or song-writing, I can assist with that as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I've taught public school elementary band for 30 years, have been a church organist for 70 years, and taught piano and organ for 57 years. I accompanied church and school choirs and orchestra through high school and on into college and then directed such groups; so I know what skills are needed to perform and what it feels like to be put in such a position. Since I've been teaching so long, I can anticipate where in the assignment, the student is likely to be challenged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

Students will not continue studying, practicing, and performing if they don't enjoy the lesson experience and relationship with their teacher. Learning happens most meaningfully and rapidly (not to mention is sustained) when students connect with their teacher, and that most easily occurs when teachers are in tune with their students' interests and goals. As a former music student who sometimes had very little input in what I learned on certain instruments, I remember the boredom and sometimes dread on the lesson day! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either the John Schaum method book series or the James Bastien method book series. Both book series are fun, colorful, and engaging for the student. Once the student has progressed to have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More