Piano Lessons in William Penn Annex East, PA

Instruments: Piano

I encourage students to pick the music they want to play.  For those who have no prior music knowledge at all, there are numerous beginning methods that are satisfactory.  I teach harmony and ear training at a level in agreement with ability of the fingers to execute.   It is so nice to learn to play by ear, (starting with very simple tunes) going from the brain to the keyboard without the crutch of the paper score.  Of course this is the objective of preparation (study, practice) anyway, so the emotional feeling that the composer intended can be experienced and interpreted (and communicated to the audience) in a wonderful, magical way.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer

For all beginner students, I start with Berklee Music Theory Book 1 and a few selections from one of my Real Books to begin to apply some theory techniques.  Once I feel that the student has a firm understanding of fundamentals of theory I usually have the student select one piece from the Real Book selections and we then begin working on playing the piece as well as analyzing the piece. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I applaud the strengths I see in my students and I make them catch up on their weaker parts. However, I dont pressure anyone too much - I dedicate some time to improving on a difficult task, but I do not spend an entire lesson drilling the same thing, for it gets exhausting and unpleasant. The most important thing is to repeat the same process consistently, even if little by little. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I should start off by saying each student is unique, and since the lessons are one on one, my approach to each student will be unique. That being said, there are certain skill-sets and areas of focus that every student should learn. For complete beginners, I start off with technique. What is good posture? What is good hand position? How do you form a proper embouchure and produce a supported airstream? Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

As Shinichi Suzuki said, musical harmony breeds social harmony; to learn and make music together helps us all. For this I have grown the string and choral programs in Elmhurst's 51st Avenue Academy; taught violin, viola, and chamber music at the Queens College Center for Preparatory Studies in Music; led the Stony Brook Pre-College chamber music program; taught strings and chorus in Kiev, Ukraine; taught graduate education courses at Touro College online; and enjoy teaching music at NJ's Calderone School. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

I want to teach you how to play drums, guitar, or piano! I love music and guiding students to discovering their unique voice as a musician and creative. While I have been classically-trained on the drum set, I am completely self-taught when it comes to music theory. Whatever the style you're looking to learn, I am open and enthusiastic to teach it. The weirder, the better! I am versed in all genres, even niche sub-genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I typically start woodwind students with the Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method series. I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for piano instruction. In addition to the method book, I like to incorporate physical/breathing exercises, supplemental warm-ups, sight-reading, music theory worksheets, and student selected repertoire in lessons. I also encourage students to create their own compositions. In the past, I have digitally recorded many of my students' compositions and have really enjoyed encouraging students to express themselves through original composition. Read More