Piano Lessons in Cynwyd, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning piano students, I often get them started with the Faber piano series, then incorporate music theory along with their song requests. For beginning fretted string students (guitar/bass/ukelele), I like to start with the Hal Leonard method book to get started with reading notation, so that we cover more than just tabs and chords. For drum/percussion students, I'll have them start with a combination of Syncopation by Ted Reed and Peter Erksine's Drumset Essentials Volume 1. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I describe my teaching style as casual in that I tend to encourage creativity along with traditional classical music teaching. Also, I avoid repetitive drill and favor teaching derivation such as intervals as the basis of all scales and chords instead of memorizing scales. I integrate chords and chard variations as appropriate with the execution of a song. To emphasize the fun part of the lesson, which is song, the student participates in the song selections as well as the type of music which is taught. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My style is encouraging, easy-going, patient and understanding.  I explain things as many times as necessary in a calm friendly manner since I know students (and all the rest of us) don't remember stuff the first time it is heard—or played—or read. I encourage questions and discussions about practicing, repertoire, performing, and careers. To be sure time is well spent, I'll sometimes say, "Practice this piece just as you would if I were not here."  This way I can offer suggestions for learning pieces and methods more quickly.   Practice time should be a joyful time, full of a sense of accomplishment, and I am especially keen to help make this so for all students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Ukulele

I have played with an extensive list of musical groups in various styles. I have been a part of the Hazleton Liberty Band (which has roots tracing back to the Civil War) and church groups since high school. In college, I was a part of smal woodwind chamber ensembles, concert band, choirs, marching band, big bands, and small jazz ensembles. I continue to stay active in many diverse musical groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use a variety of methods for my teaching style. I usually have a few method books that I bring to a first lesson, and after meeting the student I will decide on the best one. Once the student has progressed and shows some motivation to be slightly challenged, I'll introduce "popular" music so that the student feels a sense of accomplishment! Music is associated with movies, radio, etc., so to be able to play something recognizable is exciting for the student and the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

My goal as a vocal, beat-production, music theory, or piano instructor is to unlock your inner artist and cultivate what exactly YOU excel; not to impart my style onto you. I identify the walls that you have built around your true artist, so we can systematically break those down TOGETHER. Being a creative person means expressing yourself in your truest form. Often times we have these "ideas" about who we are, so we project those "ideas" onto our singing, producing, piano playing, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've discovered over the years that every student is different and require a custom approach tailored to what method works best for them. Some students do very well working through publications of lesson books, while others seem to do better with a less structured approach driven more by listening and muscle memory. In both methods, I find it important to lead by example, not only to be able to show them correctly, but also to inspire them. Read More