Flute Lessons in New Derry, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For piano students, I prefer Alfred's methods, whether the adult or for beginners. For band and orchestra, I use Essential Elements (or whatever their school is using), and supplement with Rubank's methods. For voice, I concentrate on whatever the student is interested in, with a foundation of good technique and understanding of the voice range and how to control it, with some solfege and sight-singing mixed in. Whatever the instrument, I follow and listen to the student to understand what they need, and change my curriculum to suit them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

In 2004 I graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in church music. Playing for and working with music in churches has been one of the highlights of the past 14 years. I pubished a CD of hymns entitled Eternal Days, where I arranged hymns for solo piano and piano and flute in 2017. Now, I continue to arrange hymns for my church and students, reflecting their current needs and levels. I work through method books, supplementing with other fun books to increase confidence in my students' current level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I like to work with students through the Rubank Method books. These are excellent books for any level musician to pick up and work from. I use these as a foundation of technique that can be translated to repertoire. Again depending on the style of music the student wants/needs to practice, I will pull from etudes, solo transcriptions, and popular music to start building the student's repertoire. I will also work with students on building skills in improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Students have the most fun and learn the most when they are doing what they would like to do. This doesn't mean that the fundamentals aren't important but when it comes to the pieces and etudes we study the student will play what they would like to play. If I pick a piece that the student simply doesn't like then I will work with them to figure out what piece is suitable for them and help them get the most enjoyment from it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Organ Ukulele Piccolo Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically start piano lessons with the Bastien Method books, but I have started using Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber, as well as Alfred's Adult Course and Hal Leonard for my adult piano students. For flute and guitar, I start with Hal Leonard's books to help get them started. For organ, I require students to have a solid background of piano skills before they start the organ. If they already have plenty of experience, I will get them the books that are needed depending on their level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More