Guitar Lessons in Ithan, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

It's important to me first that my students enjoy their lessons. This means learning at their own pace, offering poisitive feedback, and using music they prefer. With this combination, they usually find music lessons fun and educational! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For children I tend to teach songs by The Beatles as standard curriculum, as well as learning to read music proficiently. The things tend to be non-negotiable unless the parent informs me otherwise. For teens and pre-teens reading music is optional as well as the types of songs you wish to learn or the theory you wish to learn. That's just a general overview, along the way we learn all types of riffs, vamps, chords, scales, etc., to which we follow my standard development method, but never neglecting your own personal interests in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use a variety of methods for my teaching style. I usually have a few method books that I bring to a first lesson, and after meeting the student I will decide on the best one. Once the student has progressed and shows some motivation to be slightly challenged, I'll introduce "popular" music so that the student feels a sense of accomplishment! Music is associated with movies, radio, etc., so to be able to play something recognizable is exciting for the student and the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy of teaching has always been to customize the student's lessons to match their interests, while ensuring that they receive a extensive foundation that will let them move in any direction they may choose. The methods and materials that I select for my students are always focused on enjoyment as well as efficacy. The goal is to get the student playing musically as soon as possible. While I stress the importance of practicing effectively, I understand that students move at their own pace and tailor the lessons to reflect this. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Working for a local drum teacher in 2005, I started teaching private music lessons in students' homes. From there, I took up residence at a local music store where I taught guitar, ukulele, bass, harmonica, songwriting, and music theory for the next fifteen years. During the pandemic, I added teaching virtually to my repertoire and have fallen in love with it. Personally, I started playing music because I loved exploring and learning more about the music I I was already listening to--and I desperately wanted to learn how I could create my own sounds. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Harmonica Ukulele Euphonium Tuba Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, especially for brass instruments. I also tend to mix in some fun songs that are more well known using my own arrangements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. 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 Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar

It is equally important to learn music from method books and through sonic exploration; I have personally learned a lot from books and while "noodling."When teaching trumpet (all skill levels), I use books including Arban's Complete Conservatory Method, Clarke's Technical Studies, and Schlossber's Daily Drills and Technical Studies.For guitar and bass guitar (beginner through intermediate), I start with Hal Leonard's Play Bass Today series. I teach beginner piano with the Bastien series and Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course.I also have a library of alternate method books and additional materials including excerpts, solos, duets, and play-alongs. Read More