Piano Lessons in Penn Center, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For young beginning piano students, I typically start with John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano: The First Grade Book and move up throughout the series from there. For young beginning voice students, I start with lessons on proper breath support, sight-singing, intonation exercises, and warm-ups to shape their voice. For both my piano and voice students, I establish a strong, classical foundation that is built on fundamentals to get their instrument working properly and then branch out to other genres from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach is both traditional and also contemporary.. I use standard method books that have been around for years. I don't like to generalize on one or two methods. I cater the lessons to the individual student. Some may have a wide musical background. Some may not have any. Sight reading and method books are a must. I teach classical piano but also incorporate contemporary songs usually something that the student may request. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My general rule of thumb is, the younger the student, the less technique I will teach. Although I do not necessarily consider there to be a minimum age requirement for pursuing voice lessons, I do copiously encourage parents to be astutely aware of the potential risks encountered when young students are taught vocal and breathing techniques which should be reserved for intermediate or advanced students. My focus with younger students is to instill a passion and excitement for music while developing fundamental techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe the role of a teacher is to provide a framework or organized system of progress for his/her student. A teacher is not simply someone who orders and dictates; but someone who can stimulate their students growth in whatever their field of study is. Particularly in the case of music, a teachers number one duty is to show their student how to practice efficiently and thoroughly. They help students to progress quickly by pointing out which areas of their playing need improvement and what to focus on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

On our first lesson I interview my students to get a sence on what types of music they like and what sparked their interest in learning the saxophone. Depending on the student that will be the methods to be used for example Essential Elements, Rubank etc Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

It is important for both me and my student to have long-term and short-term goals. Long-term goals may have to do with technique--for voice, examples may be releasing tension or singing with proper breath support. Short term goals are more linked to repertoire and can be technical or musical. An example on the piano may be playing through a piece with a particular metronome marking. I have each of my students use a practice log so both the student and I can keep track of short-term goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I love to watch a student fall in love with music. It is very exciting to see the excitement of being able to accomplish a piece of music that they have worked on. I encourage students to find music that they want to learn and to open them up to different styles and history of where the music came from. I come from a classical / jazz background so i am very happy to teach any style that would excite a student. Read More