Piano Lessons in Pennsauken, NJ

Instruments: Piano

I keep a "Piano Homework Assignment" Word document for each student on my laptop which I can then email to you after your lesson is over for reference during the week.  A usual assignment would consist of a "Warm Up" section where we focus on hand position or scales or technique, a "Lesson Book" or "Repertoire" section where we work on new pieces or songs, a "Theory" section for written assignments, a "Fun" list for pieces we are done with but want to keep playing just for fun and then a number of special sections depending on student interest.  Special sections might be things like - improvisation, composition, playing by ear, recital or competition prep, exam prep, sight reading, ear training, etc.  I'm comfortable in few method series but I prefer Faber Piano Adventures for typical beginning children and The Music Tree for very young beginners.  I try to make sure each student has a piece they love every week. 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 Guitar Voice Flute Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a music teacher, I am passionate about giving people of all ages the tools for self-expression and collaboration. I am a performer, flautist and singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia and I have been an active member of the music community for over a decade. With a background in poetry and creative writing, my compositions combine storytelling and collage, and draw from my roots in folk music and RB. I have performed at music festivals such as South X Southwest, Firefly, XPoNential Music Festival, and I have opened for legendary acts such as Questlove and Talib Kweli. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Children who study with me don't just learn how to 'play' the music, they learn how to really 'PERFORM' it--wide range of volume, lots of expression, and true musicality! Teens (13-18) typically prefer to choose their own curriculum. They are mature enough to appreciate a classical background, and we study the great composers and all their famous pieces, which inform their understanding of music history as well. I like to introduce teenagers to a variety of genres and styles and widen their palette, so they can eventually choose what they would like to focus on developing with me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer

I attribute my passion in music to all of my music teachers in the past.  I know how important it is for the instructor to approach every lesson with passion in order to start develop the passion within the student.  I believe there is no progress without passion!  Along with a focused practicing schedule, I also encourage all my students to devote some time everyday to listen actively, not passively, to music (any artist or genre) for at least 30 minutes a day. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I love seeing my students succeed! One of my favorite things about teaching is watching the students eyes light up when they achieve their current goal! To achieve this, I like to teach at the students own pace and with their chosen material. While it is very important to practice, I do not want to make music seem like a chore. By allowing the students to choose their own material, they are much more likely to self motivate! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lou has worked as a jazz and pop pianist/keyboard player and teacher for over 30 years. In addition, he was a music teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. He studied with numerous jazz and classical teachers, including Jimmy Giuffre, Roland Hanna, and Frank Wigglesworth. He is currently studying the Taubman approach to piano- a system that teaches an ergonomic approach. Read More