Piano Lessons in Penn Center, PA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Mary has primarily studied classical trumpet, but also has training in jazz and world music. She currently plays principal trumpet in the Bravura Philharmonic and occasionally performs with the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, and the Garden State Philharmonic. Shes also a member of the Philly Bloco and the Bella Vista Brass Quintet. Shes been involved in many performance groups including but not limited to the Vassar Wind Ensemble, Penn Orchestra, Marsyas Ensemble and numerous Purchase Conservatory ensembles including the symphony orchestra, graduate brass quintet, Latin jazz orchestra, klezmer ensemble, and the new music ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From there we learn simple songs -- sometimes by ear, and sometimes by reading music (both are valuable skills to have). From there we learn how those songs we learned are built. This is the theory part. Once a student has a rudimental understanding of theory they can begin to compose their own songs! When this is done spontaneously people refer to it as improvisation, but don't let the names fool you. 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 Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching classical piano, I use technique books like Hanon, Pischna for advanced beginners and intermediate. Material can range from Bach, Beethoven, Schumann etc. Contemporary methods usually from an approved song book or possibly a show tune. All students will learn from the previously method technique books. Beginners we will use some method book like Alfred or something similar. Guitar: Mel bay or something for sight reading. Wolfhardt for intermediate students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

CAPA provided Alissa with the opportunity to play and perform with the All-City Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music, Temple Orchestra, as well as performing with the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-séguin. Alissa continued on to Rowan College after high school, continuing to teach lessons from home. In addition to consistent practice, Alissa has tutored many younger students for piano and violin within her schools, and has taught lessons to children of friends and family. Read More