Music Lessons in Daisytown, PA

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although I began performing and teaching while still a teenager, I consider the beginning of my full time career to begin upon my graduation from Berklee (1979). I had taught on and off through C.A. House Music in Wheeling, WV, and also as a teaching assistant during my years of graduate study. In 1994, I developed WVU's first program in Guitar Performance, where I taught until 2018. During this period I also taught at Frostburg University, Washington Jefferson University, and West Liberty University, where I continue as an adjunct Professor of Guitar. 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

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I am open to whatever a student seeks to learn through guitar lessons. The more attention I give to a student's interests, the more motivation I see in their abilities. I feel that giving students goals helps them learn at an increasingly consistent rate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Learning to internalize music and see its connection is done through practice and technique. As we are in permanence and music is in transience, I focus on the permanence with the student; the technique, discipline, rhythm, so the student himself/herself has the tools to transcend the piano into music. Practice is the bread and butter for improving so I always give the student lessons to do until next time we meet, focusing on technique, as that will give the student power for music reading and learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I've been teaching students saxophone privately since the age of 16. In between regular gigging and college, I've had the chance to teach a number of students in the past 7 years. One of my main goals in teaching young students is developing a keen sense of how to practice effectively. I like to encourage students to actively seek opportunities to perform and record music wherever they can, so I often times facilitate the process with my own contacts. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I have been teaching private lessons for the last 6 years and began teaching in the public school system in spring of 2022. This fall, I will be a long-term substitute orchestra teacher for North Allegheny School District. My education at Duquesne was entirely focused on music education. I took various courses in instrument methodology for brass, woodwind, and string instruments, and studied leading pedagogy practices from distinguished educators. I studied cello with PSO musician Adam Liu, and performed challenging works for solo cello in my studio as well as orchestral works with the full Duquesne Symphony Orchestra. Read More