Music Lessons in Amherst, OH

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

Empowering my students is my first priority. They will be able to perform a song from the first lesson. I want them to enjoy learning and look forward to their lesson every week. I want them to feel confident about their musical ability and about themselves. My basic structure is a warm-up, review of previously assigned material, introduction of new material, and finishing the lesson with a student chosen song. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner saxophone and clarinet players I tend to use the first book in the series from Standard of Excellence. After those first two books I move them into the Rubank Intermediate Series of books. For saxophonist, and even some clarinetist that would like to learn some jazz I use the Lennie Niehaus Jazz Conception Series. I always try to find what the student would like to learn to play and then guide my teaching from that point. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Euphonium French Horn

As I've said above, my teaching is curtailed to the individual needs of my students. I stress development as a complete musician, and that often includes breaking away from technique to discuss other ideas like music theory, ear training, etc. Most importantly, I can explain difficult concepts in many ways. I am a degreed educator, having studied various learning styles and philosophies. I incorporate techniques from Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, Dalcroze, Alexander--- each student has different needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am currently a graduate student studying Musicology at Rutgers University. My musical journey has been continuous ever since singing for the first time in my home church's youth choir. Studying piano and viola, performing on stage in musicals, and participating in choir invariably throughout grade school, I was finally lead to study classical music at Susquehanna University. Both in high school and at college, I was an active participant in many vocal genres, including jazz, a capella groups, barbershop quartets, musical theater, classical art song, and a touch of popular music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I love seeing my students' pride as they are successful in music. With the student, I work to establish short- and long-term goals and I try to provide incentive for meeting these goals. I have a prize box from which the student can pick something (Small candies, pencils, pens, stickers, bubbles, etc.) when they achieve a short-term goal (i.e. learn 5 songs in February, or something similar). When a student achieves a long-term goal (a specific festival rating, completing a level in their method, etc) I have gift cards that they choose from. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I simply enjoy helping people establish and accomplish their goals on their instruments. The first step is to identify what holds a student's attention. What is it about music that has motivated them to study? Not everyone has the same goal or vision, which is a good thing. Even self-taught musicians incorporate theory and harmony into their compositions. My personal style toggles between when I was 14 learning Metallica songs to the present, having studied jazz and classical harmony. Read More