Music Lessons in Derry, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I’m a performer as well as a teacher. I’ve been on tour with operas, and I have led choirs and instrumental ensembles. I’ve been teaching private lessons for 30 years, since I was in college. I’ve worked as a professional singer and instrumentalist since high school. My experience has focused on classical repertoire. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching students from infancy to older adults. I’ve studied solfeggio, Orff Schulwerk, and Dalcroze Eurythmics. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Teaching music is like growing a plant in the garden. It takes support and love of music for this to work.. I can promise each one of my students will walk away with a better understanding of the guitar. Finding the music that clicks with each students is important in finding the passion and love for music that exist in each and every person. Understanding each students journey to becoming a musician is different makes the journey and process that much more interesting. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I prefer to teach using the Suzuki books, since I believe it is a well rounded learning of fun music while teaching technique and musical abilities. I expect my students to practice at least 6 times a week. My students are encouraged to practice by ear, to encourage the love for music. If the student is more advanced, they will begin working on Carl Flesch Scales and Wolfhart etudes. I will also hand out music based on the student passion be it movie theme songs, Christian, or Celtic. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

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: Violin

Teaching my students to accomplish a goal in as small amount of time as possible may sound backwards, but it works. This does not teach them to cut corners, but rather how to be extremely efficient. I find much more success in students who need to accomplish something on 20 mins of practicing a day, than I do with students have no plan and practice for hours. I will make learning the violin a joy, I will fill students heads with as much knowledge as they can hold, and I will teach you how to make music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

The combination of these practices keep the lessons student-centered, but also ensure that the learning objectives are accomplished. I approach teaching very seriously with a lot of planning, but during the lesson, I have lots of fun getting to talk to my students! During lessons, I strive to get to know my student better to build a positive relationship so that both of us truly enjoy our time together. I also take time to help students set weekly practice goals in order to progress at the student's pace. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

While there are certain etude books and pieces that I recommend due to their musical quality and educational value, such as the 32 Etudes & 40 Studies by Cyrille Rose, I allow the student to chose from a list of pieces to ensure that the music we work on is engaging and fun. If the student is interested in learning bass clarinet or E-flat clarinet, we can work on these instruments as part of each lesson or in a separate lesson. Read More