Piano Lessons in Middletown Township, PA

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with method books, and focus on teaching my students how to read notes and rhythms. With young students, I also prepare fun games and activities that will help them become acquainted with the keys on the piano. As the student progresses, I find and introduce new repertoire that is appropriate for their skill level. For teenagers and adults, I find out what the student is interested in learning and how I can best help them reach their goals! Read More

Instruments: Piano

As I’ve said above, as a teacher, I live for the “ah ha” moment. When a student is working on something, particularly something challenging, and they finally “get” it. Whether it’s a scale, a favorite song, a technique exercise, or a complex piece of music, there’s that moment. The moment it comes together and makes sense. It suddenly “clicks”. The pride and happiness and sense of accomplishment in this “Oh!” or “ah ha” moments is all over their faces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

My teaching is based on the thought that everone can be comfortable with making music. Since comfort comes best when things are fun, I like to focus on music that the student likes. This usually involves improvising as soon as a student knows a few notes, which creates a chance for self-expression and leads to confidence in playing with others. I also place emphasis on phrasing, My experience is that many students get wrapped up in the mechanical process of playing at the expense of musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

When it comes to teaching beginner piano, my philosophy is to avoid making lessons and assignments feel like a monotonous chore. If a student feels overwhelmed and/or uninterested in completing assignments and attending lessons, it can have the same affect as being assigned too much school work and house chores; the student will most likely lose interest in learning. As a young musician, I make sure that my students look forward to their lessons by reinforcing the idea of music as a form of artistic expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I like to get to know my students well so I know how to keep the lessons exciting and enjoyable. Everybody learns at a different pace and that is good! Each success is worth celebrating and the way to get there is by setting realistic goals. I always offer yearly recitals for any students who would enjoy being a part of them. I don't believe in anybody being forced to participate in a recital if it wouldn't be enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I think that students learn best when they are relaxed and having fun.  So, anything I can do to keep it light - whether it's drawing a picture to make a point or making up silly words to learn a complex rhythm or using crayons to mark the sections in our music - is a win in my book!  Laughing and making mistakes are a big part of learning.  When my students make errors, I don't scold, I say "good for you, now we can learn something!" I believe that it is both possible and critical to develop the student-teacher relationship as a collaboration. Read More