Music Lessons in Dawson, PA

Instruments: Guitar

I typically recommend that all beginner students start with Hal Leonard's guitar method books to learn the essential notes, chords, scales, styles, and music theory. After a student becomes comfortable with the basics, I begin diving into what styles or genres the student enjoys or favors. Tailoring lessons for each individual student is very important to my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I serve as the professor of saxophone at West Virginia University. I also have small class of advanced online students. I am an engaged and encouraging instructor and I hope to help each student reach his or her potential as well as his or her unique goals. Every student is different and there is no single correct approach to teaching. I hold degrees from the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and Arizona State University. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For students who are children I start with methods such as Hal Leonard to accommodate for their smaller hands. After the student is comfortable with the guitar we will move on to more challenging solo pieces and branch off into which genre they are interested in. For teenage and adult students I begin teaching the basic fundamentals for the guitar and move on to what ever genre the student wishes to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My approach and methods of teaching are simply this: Enjoy the learning experience without getting bogged down with staring at sheet music for hours on end. Ear training and motor memory will provide a much more enjoyable learning experience and will render results at a much faster pace than "books". However, "books" are important to some degree I admit. But, practice and dedication will render the most important result....and that is ....PLAYING AND ENJOYING THE GUITAR!!!!!!!....and the music and joy it brings along. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Once again, my philosophy with teaching has always been learning through fun and engaging activities that enhance a lesson. I want my space to be open, fun and positive. Nothing is worse than dreading a lesson or time together. I want the students to be willing to take chances and risks that lead to accomplishing their goals. I want the students to have input within their lessons when it comes to the music itself and how they want to progress. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Music Acoustic Guitar

As I said before in my experience, I am a certified Suzuki violin teacher by the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and it is for that reason I principally use the Suzuki Methodology. However, I know every student is different. It is for that reason that I apply differently to each of them. I encourage my students to work toward different goals that we set up in the beginning of their lessons. Read More