Music Lessons in Claysville, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Over 13 years of instructing at music stores in Pittsburgh and New Castle, I have taught over 10,000 lessons to 400+ students. Through my years of playing experience as a live performer, teacher, songwriter and session musician, I have gained experience in many genres including: jazz, blues, classic rock, metal, reggae, country, punk, rockabilly, pop, RB, classical, honky-tonk, funk, and hard rock. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginners, I like to use the Faber and Faber series. They do a wonderful job incorporating reading, listening, and writing into the curriculum. I also think creativity is a huge part of music. I love asking students to write their own songs. When I play their compositions on the piano, their reactions are priceless! For older beginners, advanced students, and voice students I use a similar approach but with supplemental materials. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

I am new to teaching, but I come armed with a plethora of tools and ideas. My own musical practice informs me on what works and what doesn't, a year and a half of study with master drummer Steve Lyman has gotten me out of my own head and exposed me to the benefits of lessons and having a teacher, and my life partner is a piano teacher with successful students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I decided early on that my career path was going to be some sort of profession dealing with music. I started my journey at Bethany College. I finished my undergrad work there and obtained a BA in Classical Guitar Performance. I'm currently pursuing my Master of Music at Boston University and I will finish the Masters program in May of 2015. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More