Music Lessons in Elk Township, PA

Instruments: Piano Organ

I've taught public school elementary band for 30 years, have been a church organist for 70 years, and taught piano and organ for 57 years. I accompanied church and school choirs and orchestra through high school and on into college and then directed such groups; so I know what skills are needed to perform and what it feels like to be put in such a position. Since I've been teaching so long, I can anticipate where in the assignment, the student is likely to be challenged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically use a combination of methods. For clarinet teaching, I like to use the Breeze-Easy method and also some materials from the Rubank method books. For intermediate or school-aged students, I like to supplement the material they are learning in school. I like to continue to use Rubank, Klose, and Rose books to continue to develop technique and musicality. For more advanced students or adult learners, I try to cater to the specific interests of the student while continuing to work on improving fundamental skills on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been teaching privately since 2003. In 2005 I Was hired as a violin instructor at Southeastern Louisiana Community Music School where I taught for 5 years. After my Graduate studies I accepted a teaching position at Duquesne University City Music Center. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My favorite quote is: "All students have gifts, they just open their presents have different times."  I work with students where they are and at their pace.  I start beginners with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings.  As students progress I use Samuel Applebaum method books, traditional etudes like Wolfhardt and Sevick, Suzuki books and solo pieces as appropriate.  I teach Traditional Classical string instruction.  I will work to find pieces that students find interesting and keep my instruction engaging and fun for all of my students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Art comes in all forms, in my mind. I believe that building the framework of ability is only the tip of the iceberg, and I have encouraged my students to tinker on the piano as well as practice their lessons. Learning what styles they enjoy and what their strengths are helps them to be creative, even in writing their own music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I've been playing the violin since I was four years old, made my public debut at the Smithsonian when I was 6, and I've performed in numerous ensembles and with artists such as Andres Cardenes, Joseph Silverstein, Rachel Barton Pine, the St. Lawrence String Quartet and members of the Cavani String Quartet, to name a few. I have a deep love for all kinds of music, and one of my main goals is to share that love for music with my students while providing them with excellent guidance. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I can teach beginners out of any books they might already own, but if starting lessons with me, the books I have available to send to my beginners are Essential Elements and Standard of Excellence. I have additional materials, like the LaFosse, for beginners who have a higher starting range than the majority. I write out personalized daily routines for all my beginners. For high school students, I help the student develop a daily routine which incorporates exercises from the Schlossberg warmups, Colin's Advanced Lip Flexibilities, Vernon's The Singing Approach, the Arban method, and sometimes others. Read More