Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
2020 - Herbert H Strohman Woodwind Award
I am a dedicated and motivated instructor who loves working with students of all ages to share my love of music. I have always had an interest in music, and that really blossomed into something more when I started playing the clarinet in elementary school. In 2021, I graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Being able to share my love of music with my students has been the highlight of my career, that's what makes my job worth it. It is always a goal of mine to keep students engaged, happy, and excited!
My teaching experience began in college, as I was first entering schools and teaching private lessons in 2020. I have been consistently teaching students in my home studio and in student homes. My students are always encouraged to ask questions and speak up if something isn't their style. I like to emphasize to younger students that you won't become an expert over night and playing an instrument takes a lot of practice, but it's my job as your teacher to help you improve and realize your success! I enjoy using both classical and modern music in my lessons, students have different interests! My students are encouraged to pursue their individual musical interests, whether that be writing their own music or just experimenting with a different style of music. I am always open to new ideas and ways of teaching, I'm dedicated in finding a beneficial way to teach you!
For beginning students who don't come from a school program with a chosen book, I typically start with Bruce Pearson's Standard of Excellence or Rubank's Elementary Methods. Once students have gotten the basics down, I begin to introduce other types of books such as technique books, scale books, etudes, or even solo repertoire. Students are given the choice of what they would like to pursue, I typically suggest trying a variety of books to learn various skills. For adult students, I try to find the student's skill level and what their interest is in taking private lessons. From there, I can develop material and guide the student to success, no matter the age. Regardless of age, I am dedicated to making the student feel successful when practicing and making music!
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students develop a passion and love for music! Nothing makes me happier than seeing/hearing a student play something perfectly that they were struggling with! Acknowledging accomplishments and small moments of success is what fuels students to want to progress and build their skills. Since all students progress at different paces, I emphasize the fact that any progress is progress! Setting realistic goals within the lessons and individual practice session will help the student feel more accomplished in the long run. I always try to figure out what inspires the student and what they want to learn, that way I can tailor my instruction to an individuals wants and needs.