Guitar Lessons in Vandergrift, PA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Once again, my philosophy with teaching has always been learning through fun and engaging activities that enhance a lesson. I want my space to be open, fun and positive. Nothing is worse than dreading a lesson or time together. I want the students to be willing to take chances and risks that lead to accomplishing their goals. I want the students to have input within their lessons when it comes to the music itself and how they want to progress. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

In all of my teaching, I combine my students' interests with the leading pedagogy practices in string education to develop the foundational skills of the instrument as well as a fondness for it. There are several method books that I use such as Suzuki, Schroeder's Cello Etudes, and Fiddler's Philharmonic, however, I tailor each lesson path to each student based on student interest as well as proper sequencing. I generally start with these method books, especially for cello, for beginning students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience covers a number of musical environments. I worked for local non-profit music educational program, Creative Life Support, where I taught songwriting, recording, and performance to underprivileged and homeless youth in Pittsburgh. I have my own private students which I travel to their homes to study, and work for a teaching studio in Mars, PA. Music has always been a special and amazing part of my life, and sharing my love, curiosity, and excitement on the subject is a passion of mine. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

My main repertoire for teaching comes from William's Levitt's "A Modern Method for Guitar". It comes with Three Volumes, and from beginner to intermediate anywhere in the book is a great place to start! From basic music reading to learning different positions, I believe that these books provide a cornerstone for even the more advanced players to refresh on in the beginning! I also strongly encourage students to bring in whatever songs or pieces they are passionate about and allow myself to build a curriculum based on their tastes and musical preferences. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been playing guitar and bass for 32 years, and I have studied with some of the most well-respected rock, classical and jazz musicians in the world, including Jeffery Mangone (principal bassist of the Pittsburgh Opera), Jeff Grubbs (bassist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), jazz great Dwayne Dolphin, Dino Fiumara (owner/founder of BSX Bass), Joey Granati (G-Force, Granati Brothers), and Berklee School of Music graduate Rick Mals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

I look forward to watching my students learn and mature in their music. It is important that each student feels comfortable and not rushed in their learning progression. Therefore, I will make sure each student is learning at their own pace and feels comfortable enough to stop me if I am moving too fast. I will work with my students to set realistic goals for the week. Additionally, I seek to find ways to make practice fun and individualized to each students so that they want to practice when they get home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Once upon a time, one of my co-workers asked me to show her how to play some songs on the guitar. I can't remember exactly what those songs were, but I think it was Led Zeppelin, or something like that. Having never taught a lesson in my life up until that point, I reluctantly agreed, and later that week, she arrived at my front door with guitar in hand. As the lesson went on, I had a couple of "Aha" moments! Read More