Music Lessons in Chesterbrook, PA

Instruments: Clarinet

I am very flexible in my approach.  I understand that there are many way to achieve the desired result.  I am always available to answer questions and welcome them.  I am not doctrinaire in my approach.  Each student is unique in their strengths and areas which need more attention and I strive to meet these needs on the individual level. I enjoy working with enthusiastic students, regardless of level. I find listening to recordings and live performances to be an invaluable part of the learning process and try to include this whenever possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

There is nothing quite like it. My own enthusiasm helps the student to "catch fire" and to also feel enthusiastic about the music and their progress. At the end of every lesson I give the student very clear goals to accomplish by the next lesson. For example, to play the music faster, to make corrections in notes or fingerings, to make more use of dynamics, and, on a more advanced level, to play the music more convincingly and on a level that the composer would have wanted. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I strive to create a relaxing and safe environment for students of all levels. I understand that everyone is different, so naturally all of my lessons will be different to each individual student. My teaching style will typically vary when considering factors like skill level and goals/interests. For beginner students, I will typically introduce them to new concepts and pieces of music to see what interests them. I will typically play alongside them often to help them develop an ear for correct intonation and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I describe my teaching style as casual in that I tend to encourage creativity along with traditional classical music teaching. Also, I avoid repetitive drill and favor teaching derivation such as intervals as the basis of all scales and chords instead of memorizing scales. I integrate chords and chard variations as appropriate with the execution of a song. To emphasize the fun part of the lesson, which is song, the student participates in the song selections as well as the type of music which is taught. Read More

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

I don't think there is any one method book or instructional DVD that will give you everything you need. Even if an educational resource is extremely well done, it will still need to be tailored and digested in a certain way for each student. I generally use Mel Bay's Guitar 1 - expanded edition. While working with this book, there are additional materials such as exercises, concepts, and musical ideas often inserted at key moments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

If a student isn't having fun learning the instrument then I am doing something wrong! Learning should be fun and a joy not a chore. I try to encourage the students to practice without being told to do so. With that comes a joy of doing it on your own and for themselves not for anyone else. Lessons in my studio are to compliment each students experiences and desires. Since teaching piano from my early college days until now, I find that students have many more interests than just music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

Great music lessons are a mix of solid technique building and fun application of those skills. I always spend the first few lessons getting the student familiar with the basic technique of the instrument, and then quickly move on to duets, improvising, sight reading, solos, etc. that tie in with the current technique studies. Music can also be heard or read, so I try to strike a balance between reading music/theory and learning/improvising by ear. Read More