Piano Lessons in West Mifflin, PA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

For beginning piano students, Arias typically starts with John Thompson's piano methods books one through four with a focus on musical expression, literacy, and building a foundation of good technique. For beginning trumpet students, Arias typically uses Hal Leonards, Essential Elements Method. Depending on the student's progression and pedagogical needs, Arias next typically moves to an individually prescribed combination of Schlossberg, Clark, and Arban excersises combined with solo literature and/or etudes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Learning to internalize music and see its connection is done through practice and technique. As we are in permanence and music is in transience, I focus on the permanence with the student; the technique, discipline, rhythm, so the student himself/herself has the tools to transcend the piano into music. Practice is the bread and butter for improving so I always give the student lessons to do until next time we meet, focusing on technique, as that will give the student power for music reading and learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA, now living in New Jersey. In 2012, I graduated with my Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Pedagody from Westminster Choir College. I earned my Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance in 2010, also from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Since 2005, I have studied with esteemed Metropolitan Opera soprano, Sharon Sweet. I have performed both domestically and abroad, making my international debut in Germany in 2013. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginners, I like to use the Faber and Faber series. They do a wonderful job incorporating reading, listening, and writing into the curriculum. I also think creativity is a huge part of music. I love asking students to write their own songs. When I play their compositions on the piano, their reactions are priceless! For older beginners, advanced students, and voice students I use a similar approach but with supplemental materials. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

It is very easy today to record lessons and send students home with different songs to play along to. Drums are much more fun when you play with other musicians and one way to do that is with recordings. Again there is room for me to bring music to the student, but also room for the student to bring something to me that they want to learn. Also a great opportunity to show the similarities between and differences between these two events. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I've taught public school elementary band for 30 years, have been a church organist for 70 years, and taught piano and organ for 57 years. I accompanied church and school choirs and orchestra through high school and on into college and then directed such groups; so I know what skills are needed to perform and what it feels like to be put in such a position. Since I've been teaching so long, I can anticipate where in the assignment, the student is likely to be challenged. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I originally went to school for education and completed a degree in it. Since then, I have had students ranging from age 8 to 78, and although I am typically exposed to students starting as beginners, I would be very excited to help intermediate and advanced students learn new pieces, genres, and help hone their skills. Read More