Piano Lessons in Slippery Rock, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I have a "less talk, more play" approach to music. People learn instruments because they want to play music, and that is always the focus in my lessons. While some instructors incessantly talk about theory, history, and other music concepts, I prefer to keep the talking to a minimum and have my students play their instrument as much as possible. I also tend to move at a quick pace, but I always adapt my pacing to meet the needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I have many books for beginners that I used growing up. I usually get a feel how the student is going to learn to enjoy music and then go from there. There are different types of beginner books, one focusing more on the technical aspect and the other one on note reading right from the start, so its really based on how the student learns and take small steps from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I use the John Schaum piano method course and theory and harmony lessons and supplement it with other music which the student may choose. The theory lessons provide a means to drill on the essentials by means of a work-book style in optional detached pages so that the teacher can take the papers and correct them before the next lesson. I prefer to correct them instantly and correct misunderstandings so that future assignments will be approached correctly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

My students describe me as passionate, creative, interesting, and fun! After getting my bachelor's degree in music education from University of Maryland, I taught general, band, and strings in Montgomery County in Maryland. Then I taught ukulele, keyboard, drums, guitar, band, and choir in Dayton, Ohio. Now I am excited to teach lessons in Pittsburgh. While my main instrument is saxophone, where I teach all levels, I love to teach beginners on a variety of instruments, from voice and piano to keyboard and djembe! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer

As mentioned my teaching methods are as follows. Beginners in Piano - Scales, proper fingering positions and usage, posture and accurate knowledge of reading music. Beginners in Drums - Proper usage of drumsticks, demonstrate the two postions of holding the drumstick, knowledge of basic rhythm patterns, proper height and angle of drum or practice pad, and most importantly, the study of the 26 standard drum rudiments for proper playing developiment. Vocal Techniques: Proper breathing support, demonstrating the difference between using the breath and using the throat when singing, encourage student to record their lessons for accurate practice and knowledge of hearing themselves sing, (approved by student's preference). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I love seeing students gain confidence and self-esteem through their music lessons. I also think discipline and independence can be built at home through individual daily practice. I treat my pursuit of music seriously, and encourage my students to do the same. I hope all students set goals, both within the lesson and during their weekly practice. I will always acknowledge students' progress, and will continue to push students to grow and develop. Read More