Guitar Lessons in Penn Valley, PA

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have been studying and playing music since I was 7. I began on saxophone in my school's concert band and jazz band proceded by my own musical endeavors on electric bass playing rock and jazz music. I spent high school gigging Philadelphia with The Paisley Haze Quintet. In my undergrad studies at University of Vermont, I picked up the upright bass, studying both jazz and classical styles. I became heavily active in the Burlington, VT music scene performing with such groups as: The Object Three, Nuevos Comediantes, Divine Lorraine, Anna Pardenik and the Holy Smoke-Off, Brass Balagan, Duke Aeroplane and the Wrong Numbers, and Grup Anwar. 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

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For younger beginners I tend to use Hal Leonard's Guitar Method series to build a foundation of basic knowledge and fundamental techniques. From there I tend to focus on a custom lesson plan entailing a combination of music/exercises I believe the student will benefit from and enjoy coupled with whatever the student them self wishes to learn whether it's a genre of music, a specific song or something else. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There is one golden rule for all learning: do it and you'll get better at it. So the bottom line is you will improve according to how much you practice, and I cannot practice for you! I can however, convince you to LOVE playing your instrument (as I love playing mine!) This is one facet of my broader goal to instill a passion for music in general. I teach so that my enthusiasm, bolstered by critical listening skills, becomes contagious. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

For beginning students on instruments, I begin with a method book, usually Hal Leonard Essential Elements for Guitar and Ukulele, and Piano Discoveries for young beginning pianists, and Piano Adventures for older beginning pianists. From there, I follow my students' interests. For voice, we begin with breathing techniques and vocalizing, and then follow the student's interests from there. Read More

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

While I absolutely have my own style and methods, I tend to follow a student centered approach, basing my teaching on what they need, and the kinds of goals, auditions, and performances they have coming up. I also specialize in teaching marching music for anyone that is overwhelmed by their experience in marching band or is looking to begin a career in drum corps. Lastly, I've worked with beginning guitar and ukulele students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young children, consistency and fun are the name of the game. I like to use some simple materials and try to develop a love for the instrument and love for making music above all else. After a period of discovery and technical growth I will introduce material suitable for a recital performance. For young and older adults I like to take a more focused approach. Many students have an idea of what they would like to work on, and I am happy to help guide them to reach their goal. Read More