Piano Lessons in Middletown Township, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use String Builder, Essential Elements, etudes, technical studies for each instrument and Suzuki Methods for strings and essential elements for clarinet. I emphasize good posture, holding the instrument and bow properly and correct finger placement. Also learning to play scales and music to prepare for auditions and a recital. I also teach students music theory and sight reading and assist with orchestral music. The repertoire is based on different musical genres and multicultural pieces and I allow the students to chose some of the music they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that learning is both an internal and communal process. Every living being has the potential to learn to do amazing things or acquire incredible skills. However, to learn something means to make it apart of oneself. In the case of music, many a jazz musician spends years trying to memorize a plethora of songs. The irony is that without having someone to play with and truly experience the music making process, the musician will never internalize what he or she is learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching when I was 18. My piano teacher taught me how to teach and trained me. My favorite thing about teaching has always been that moment when a student finally “gets” something he/she has been working on. I also love the challenge of individualizing my lessons to fit each students interests and abilities. I have a background working with children with autism and related disabilities so individualizing and improvising is so important. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My method varies depending on the student. If the student wants a traditional musical approach, and is interested in learning notation and theory, then we will usually start with the Hal Leonard Book Series. If the student doesn’t want to learn notes or the more advanced musical concepts, I usually just start by teaching them simple songs that they know from the radio, TV Shows or movies. Something to get them really excited about learning and practicing, and songs that they recognize and can show others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

When teaching a novice student the drums it is extremely important to note that learning the drums is not an overnight affair. The amount of practice needed for thorough syncopation is not to be slept on. HOWEVER, I genuinely believe once a student hits that learning curve where their arms and legs have "minds of their own" there is an infinite amount of progress that can be made after. I always say music is fun and it should always be whether the student is practicing rudiments, or legitimately playing to pieces from Glen Miller's Orchestra all the way up to Michael Jackson. Read More