Piano Lessons in Youngstown, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either the John Schaum method book series or the James Bastien method book series. Both book series are fun, colorful, and engaging for the student. Once the student has progressed to have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My teaching experience dates back to my days as a vocal performance major at West Virginia University, where I began teaching private lessons and group lessons to members of my church music ministry. One particular joy that I take from teaching private lessons is seeing students who want to sing but struggle with issues of confidence have a breakthrough where they take a risk in a performance and achieve something they never thought they could do before! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

Students will not continue studying, practicing, and performing if they don't enjoy the lesson experience and relationship with their teacher. Learning happens most meaningfully and rapidly (not to mention is sustained) when students connect with their teacher, and that most easily occurs when teachers are in tune with their students' interests and goals. As a former music student who sometimes had very little input in what I learned on certain instruments, I remember the boredom and sometimes dread on the lesson day! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For a beginner vocalist, I will always begin with standard bel canto vocalises. These promote, first and foremost, the health of the voice. They also build flexibility, agility, and suppleness within the vocal cords. As students advance, these vocalises become more and more advanced. The technique built in the vocalises eventually infiltrates a singers' repertoire, and appropriate repertoire choices are extremely important and made thoughtfully. Pianists begin with an introduction through scales and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Additions to technique, I also use part of the lesson time to teach students basic music theory such as the concepts of intervals, chords, as well as aural training. My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For the beginning students I will introduce the basic music theory studying combines with technical studying, which are improving the students to get the grasp of foundmentals, and depends on the different situations of the students to choose the most suitable repertoire appropriate for their performance and recitals. For adults, it’s especially to be careful with choosing the right repertoire to show the best part of their own, and help them improve the technical part in order to be a good performer! Read More

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