Music Lessons in Douglass, PA

Instruments: Trumpet

Hi, my name is Matt and i love nature and logic. I believe in the healthy trumpet approach with the proper respiratory methods. I value and respect all schools of teaching although i revert to a more liberal way of learning where the student and the teacher can learn together. I have attended the philadelphia hs for creative and performing arts and now study at CCP in my 6th year for Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I also incorporate various learning by doing exercises, a lot of breath work and visualization, vocal drills are also key. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I pay special attention to the students' reactions and guide them from there because passion for the instrument is the top priority, and is the fuel to keep a musician going whether it is for a career or a hobby. I start by giving the student trivial assignments, but will quickly ramp it up to find their limits. If I find the student's limit, I will keep it just below that so the student can accomplish the given tasks, yet they can be outside their comfort zone. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginner students, I typically start with the Hal Leonard Essential Elements book. For more advanced students I love using Rochut Melodious Etudes and Arban's Method book. For all students, learning and being comfortable with all scales and keys is an essential fundamental skill I teach. In general, I am open to students bringing material they wish to work on, as long as they are progressing with fundamentals at an appropriate level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first began teaching while still completing my Bachelors degree at William Paterson in 2011. Most of my students were beginning level piano students, but I had a few more advanced students as well as some people studying saxophone with me. My teaching philosophy is to combine teaching the technique of an instrument with learning songs as well as theory and improvisation/composition. Everyone learns technique, but learning music that I wanted to learn, learning how those songs were written (theory), and eventually elaborating on those songs (improvisation), and writing my own music (composition), was what really got me deeply engaged in the act of practicing and making music, and I have found over several years of teaching that it keeps my students engaged and enjoying the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

As of May 2018, I am a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. I fell in love with music at a young age, and I fell in love with teaching when I was in high school. When I attended college, I realized how much I loved learning to play expressively as a soloist, as well as in various ensembles. I've been involved with concert bands, wind ensembles, marching bands, orchestras, musical pit orchestras, and flute choirs. Read More