Music Lessons in Denbo, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I began teaching lessons in college when I was in a piano pedagogy class. At that time, I also began teaching private band and string instruments. I had a student teaching experience where I was able to teach band instruments with students in grades 5-8. After that experience I accepted a job in North Carolina as an orchestra director. I also taught choir students, and I taught private piano and string students on the side. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I am using my experience with Musika to hone my skills as an educator. I have participated in clinics in Japan and Korea, where I developed skills in individual and group instruction. I have worked with sectionals in the army in addition to directing rehearsals. The most important lesson I hope to impart on my students is the necessity of quality over quantity while also maintaining a love for the art of music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style emphasizes areas that the student enjoys playing, as well as method books and technique exercises that will advance their playing. Developing and solidifying core concepts in lessons is more important to me than speeding through exercises in a book, and I always stress the importance of doing things right before moving on. I encourage my students to practice at their own pace, however I always stress that picking up the instrument for even just ten minutes a day for a week is better than one day for an hour. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music is a general subject that everyone loves. The idea of being able to pass that on to others makes it even more worthwhile. The usage of positive reinforcement in my lessons allows students to learn more effectively and efficiently. Setting up micro goals that build up to larger ones has been successful in my classroom. Students I've taught have really enjoyed that because they can see their progress. I feel a sense of accomplishment with each little step towards a final goal. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My goal as a teacher is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for music and the clarinet with my students. I prioritize creating a strong “toolkit” of fundamental skills that we can use for all of the music we perform. Beyond teaching these fundamental skills, I find it important to introduce my students to historical and modern repertoire, clarinet and music history, audition and performance strategies, and other important musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I follow the American String Teachers Association's curriculum for orchestra education as a guideline for the skills and techniques that students must develop. The skills are developmentally sequenced and build upon one another like a stack of blocks. In each of my lessons, I assess what students know and what students could practice, and together, we remediate and master each skill or technique. I also frequently ask for student input on what music we are playing and what the student's goals are in order to better tailor each lesson. Read More