Music Lessons in Clayton, PA

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: Drums

I teach musical skills through the use of contemporary music while enforcing traditional concepts. I love to share the joy of playing drums with students of any level or age! For beginning students who are children, I start with some simple rhythmic concepts and some easy sight reading. When they have established some fundamentals on the set, I can teach them how to play a song that they love or different grooves that they will enjoy playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been playing guitar since age 10 to the present (age 56). Styles primarily include:rock, blues, jazz, funk and r & b. Studied music with various teachers at various levels during the first 15 of those years. Have extensive experience in live performance in the concert and club venues in Pittsburgh,Pa., and Ft Lauderdale/Miami, Fl regions. Also, have taught private lessons on and off during these years when schedule allowed. 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 Clarinet

From beginning students to advanced students, I try to figure out what their immediate and long-term goals are. I have technique books for all levels and try to incorporate building a solid base before moving forward. This includes warm-up essentials, custom practice plans, and required active listening. Analyzing certain pieces of music helps to streamline the process of getting a student to where he/she wants to be.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching experience dates back to my time in high school. Being the saxophone section leader for my schools marching band I was expected to make sure the members of my section knew what they were doing. If there happen to be someone who wanted to start taking on saxophone for the band, I was expected to teach them how to play. I then went to college for Music Therapy where I was expected to teach and lead groups of clients in musical interventions. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Since picking up the drumsticks at the age of 2, playing drums has been my passion. 2014 has been a great year for me. In addition to being nominated for a Grammy in the pop remix category, I also received my first Billboard Number One single on the dance charts. I have endorsements with Los Cabos drumsticks, Ludwig drums and Paiste cymbals. Read More