Piano Lessons in William Penn Annex East, PA

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo Music

It has been truly rewarding to see students' growth when they smile after finishing learning a song! Recently I did a practice flute challenge for my students, they were rewarded with a gift card if they completed the number of minutes they needed for 4 weeks. Having a goal in mind for them, pushed them to practice different things with a focused mindset. With each concert I held virtually, it was amazing to see how much music they have learned and how far they have come in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

In 2007, I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. I was a member of the Penn State Marching Blue Band and have participated in several Alumni Blue Band performances since graduating. I went on to earn my Masters of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2012. I enjoyed teaching music in the public school for ten years. In addition to teaching, I have also been the piano accompanist for both middle and high school choirs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Students who are young beginners, I like to start with Hal Leonard's My First Piano. It's written for ages 5 and 6 full of excitement and imagination. Once the student has completed the C level of this book, or if I feel as though they are ready for the next level sooner than expected, we will move on to solo repertoire. Even tho this text is written for young children, I still like to utilize some of the rhythm games for my older students as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano

In piano lessons, I use traditional methods and will add in music therapy techniques to make the lessons fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

My own mentor was a tough guy... He would stand behind me, yell, shout and pound my shoulder. For sure, it is not for everyone. With most students, I take a calm and relaxed approach. As a child studying the classics, I remember teachers hitting my hand with rulers when I made mistakes. Jazz; however, is a creative art. It also requires making things up on the spot, so the most important skill is not to avoid mistakes, but to be able to recover from them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

My beginning students learn the fundamentals of their instrument. I want every student to get a well rounded education from me. Woodwinds students study from Essential Elements. Young piano students use the Faber collection and older students use the Bastien series for the Older Beginner. Practical Theory from Sandy Feldstein is used for instrumental students. Spike and Party Cat piano theory books is used for younger piano students. I encourage students to learn solo pieces and memorize scales so they can audition for various festivals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My methods depend heavily on the age of the student and the level of student I am working with. An example would be the beginner level. For beginning students, I first focus on helping them understand their range (i.e. bass, tenor, alto, soprano) and important fundamentals of singing (i.e. loose jaw, full use of our body as support for our voice, relaxed tongue, proper breath support with the diaphragm, expansion of the ribs, proper body posture, etc). Read More