Piano Lessons in Bolivar, PA

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Organ Music Keyboard

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 1985, I graduated from the US Army College of Music with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano-Clarinet Performance. Performing all over the world has been one of the greatest experiences of my life as a musician, and I've had the opportunity touring the United States and Europe with several performances as the principal clarinetist with the United States Army Band. Read More

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 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

My style is focused but fun! I ask my students to practice every day. While this may sound daunting, it's really the only way to make progress in music. My students know that I have many different ways to teach something, and I never give up! When a student struggles with a concept or technique, I love to dive into the nitty gritty of the situation until we've found a solution. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For all beginning students who are children, but also adult beginners, I like to focus on vocal warm-ups and exercises to ensure that they develop the fundamentals of healthy singing. After getting to know the student's voice a bit, I believe that coaching solo vocal repertoire is essential to building vocal technique and confidence in performing ability for many different situations. When assigning vocal repertoire, I first like to find out what sort of music the student is interested in and also what their goals are in taking voice lessons and assign repertoire accordingly, but I also like to begin with songs from Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs and Arias book to strengthen basic breath support and a vocal line that is connected to good breath support. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I am a patient and empathetic teacher who puts students' needs first instead of enforcing my ideas on them. I am currently completing my PhD in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh, where I just defended my dissertation for graduation. I did my Masters at Manhattan School of Music in Music Composition. Prior to my PhD studies, I also taught piano and music theory at Brooklyn Musical Arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

What a joy to see a student's face light up when they understand a concept, or the pride they display when they play their piece well! I enjoy using method books to provide structure, but it's important to keep the attention of younger students by inserting games and changing the pace. If my student is struggling with a piece, we often take a break and pull out a fun theory page, play a rhythm game, or play a flash card challenge before returning to the piece. Read More