Music Lessons in Cheswick, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I’m a performer as well as a teacher. I’ve been on tour with operas, and I have led choirs and instrumental ensembles. I’ve been teaching private lessons for 30 years, since I was in college. I’ve worked as a professional singer and instrumentalist since high school. My experience has focused on classical repertoire. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching students from infancy to older adults. I’ve studied solfeggio, Orff Schulwerk, and Dalcroze Eurythmics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically use a combination of methods. For clarinet teaching, I like to use the Breeze-Easy method and also some materials from the Rubank method books. For intermediate or school-aged students, I like to supplement the material they are learning in school. I like to continue to use Rubank, Klose, and Rose books to continue to develop technique and musicality. For more advanced students or adult learners, I try to cater to the specific interests of the student while continuing to work on improving fundamental skills on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginning students I typically start with the core concepts of clarinet playing, such as sound production, proper breathing, hand/finger position, and tonguing, as well as proper instrument assembly and care. We will begin with method books such as the Rubank Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced studies. After the student becomes comfortable with these core concepts of playing the clarinet, we will move on to more complex music including etudes and solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Cello

The passion for music took me all over the world, where I have been successfully teaching and performing. I have been teaching and mentoring my students for over twenty years now. I enjoy practicing and am happy to teach everything that I know, which is not only how to play the instrument, but also how to employ your knowledge in real life. You can hear me perform on local radio channels, and find some of my concert recordings on youtube. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I take aspects of different methods and combine them with my own to create a opportunity for the student to explore and experiment with their music, with out developing bad habits. I like to use the Suzuki books as a basis solely for musical progression, but technical set up is catered to differently for each student. The violin is not a naturally held instrument, and not everyone's body is the same, therefore I work with each student individually to find the right set up for their body. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I most often use "the Guitar, Phase 1," by Wm. Leavitt, published by Berklee Press. For this interested in Classical guitar, I use the Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vols, 1 2, and Segovia Scale Patterns. For those interested in Rock, Jazz or Blues styles, I generally use "A Modern Method for Guitar, Vols. 1, 2, 3" by Wm. Leavitt, published by Berklee Press. For adult beginners or intermediate / advanced students, an hour lesson is recommended. My approach will vary depending upon the goals and background of the student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My favorite quote is: "All students have gifts, they just open their presents have different times."  I work with students where they are and at their pace.  I start beginners with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings.  As students progress I use Samuel Applebaum method books, traditional etudes like Wolfhardt and Sevick, Suzuki books and solo pieces as appropriate.  I teach Traditional Classical string instruction.  I will work to find pieces that students find interesting and keep my instruction engaging and fun for all of my students of all ages. Read More