Music Lessons in Ambler, PA

Instruments: Piano Flute

I use the following method books, depending on the age and ability of the student: Alfred, Bastian and John Thompson. For younger students (under eight years old) I usually use the Alfred all in one book.. for older children, I use the Bastian set of four books: piano performance, technic and theory. For adults and teenagers, I use the Alfred all in one adult method book. For gifted students, I use the John Thompson book (the one I learned from). Read More

Instruments: Piano

I keep a "Piano Homework Assignment" Word document for each student on my laptop which I can then email to you after your lesson is over for reference during the week.  A usual assignment would consist of a "Warm Up" section where we focus on hand position or scales or technique, a "Lesson Book" or "Repertoire" section where we work on new pieces or songs, a "Theory" section for written assignments, a "Fun" list for pieces we are done with but want to keep playing just for fun and then a number of special sections depending on student interest.  Special sections might be things like - improvisation, composition, playing by ear, recital or competition prep, exam prep, sight reading, ear training, etc.  I'm comfortable in few method series but I prefer Faber Piano Adventures for typical beginning children and The Music Tree for very young beginners.  I try to make sure each student has a piece they love every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began piano lessons with my mother at the age of 8. At 17 I began studies with Irma Harter at the Edith McIntosh School of Music on Long Island, New York. I earned her Bachelor's degree at Adelphi University, where I studied exclusively with acclaimed concert and recording artist David Bradshaw. I also studied with Laurie Ticehurst-Poole at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory from 1996 to 2005, where I participated in master classes. I have performed in recitals at Carnegie Hall's Weill Concert Hall, and I participated in an international piano festival. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe in tailoring music lessons to the individual students needs. This usually involves speaking with the student in the first lesson/lessons to find out what specifically they want to learn or improve. Once I've figured this out, I begin to find repertoire or create exercises that challenge this student in the respective area of focus. With younger students, I prefer to make an executive decision to begin with method books and then ease into more relevant material when the student is comfortable with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I am an experienced piano and organ teacher with many years of music teaching and performance (solo and in groups). I have taught in student's homes and in commercial music studios. I have taught students from the very youngest (4 yrs) to the oldest (82 yrs). I have conducted piano classes in my home school district for the adult evening school for beginners and intermediate piano students. I am also a performer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I begin with building a strong foundation with the basics; -counting -internalizing the tempo with your feet -isolating limbs -basic grooves We then graduate to novice material; -performing songs with hits and breaks and form -reading lead sheets and counting -internalizing tempo with grooves -3/4 meter -blues/shuffle/swing patterns For intermediate; - we learn 4-way coordination -review reading skills from books such as stick control, syncopation and and 23 drum rudiment etudes -we will learn three camps -we will work on advance songs with hits and develop comping and soloing Advanced; -we will learn the rudiments ritual -we will learn to ready drum sheet music - we will learn jazz Melodies and common improvisation for jazz and Rb shows -we will learn odd time meters, metric modulation and imposition - we learn advanced grooves from different regions Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Regardless of the subject, students learn best when they are relaxed and enjoying themselves. I like to incorporate humor into my teaching and I always focus on the idea that the student is learning because they want to enjoy themselves. Music is one of the most enjoyable experiences we have and learning music should be fun. Because Motivation plays an important role in any learning situation, I always focus on the student's interests. Read More