Piano Lessons in Cynwyd, PA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first began teaching while still completing my Bachelors degree at William Paterson in 2011. Most of my students were beginning level piano students, but I had a few more advanced students as well as some people studying saxophone with me. My teaching philosophy is to combine teaching the technique of an instrument with learning songs as well as theory and improvisation/composition. Everyone learns technique, but learning music that I wanted to learn, learning how those songs were written (theory), and eventually elaborating on those songs (improvisation), and writing my own music (composition), was what really got me deeply engaged in the act of practicing and making music, and I have found over several years of teaching that it keeps my students engaged and enjoying the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe in tailoring music lessons to the individual students needs. This usually involves speaking with the student in the first lesson/lessons to find out what specifically they want to learn or improve. Once I've figured this out, I begin to find repertoire or create exercises that challenge this student in the respective area of focus. With younger students, I prefer to make an executive decision to begin with method books and then ease into more relevant material when the student is comfortable with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

For beginners who are children, I generally start with the John Thompson course which I still believe to be the best. Alternatively I use the Bastien method which I like because it teaches the students chords and music theory and contains catchy tunes, some of which the students already know. Later, I use the Music for Millions Series Books 1 and 2 which contains many excellent beginner and intermediate pieces that students enjoy playing and which can be challenging at times. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

My approach to teaching is, basically, that playing piano should be enjoyable and fun so I tailor the lessons to the type of music in which the student has interest. I do, however, have a basic structure that includes reading music, finger dexterity and songs at the student's playing level. If there is an interest in contemporary music I have an "easy to learn" approach to chords and accompaniments. I also give lessons in music composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I use my own materials and lesson plans based on my past experiences and education. For beginners, I will generally start with simple songs like Sweet Home Alabama, I Love Rock n Roll, and Heathens. These are all songs that can be played and sung simply and most students have heard them already! For more advanced students, I allow them to choose their own repertoire and will teach within those songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students to help them discover the beauty of music making and achieve their individual goals. I graduated from Jacobs School of Music with a degree in classical flute performance. Under the private tutelage of Kathryn Lukas, soloist and former principal flutist of the Santa Fe opera, I was rigorously trained in orchestral playing, chamber music, solo performance, and technique. I discovered my love for teaching during school when I had my first student four years ago and have been teaching privately ever since while performing orchestral gigs and contemporary projects in conjunction. Read More