Music Lessons in Elwyn, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Suzuki level books, String Explorer and Fiddletime joggers to increase sightreading and listening skills. 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. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

If students have an interest in learning popular styles, I make sure to incorporate reading jazz/pop symbols into their lessons. When students are able, I have them learn scales and key signatures. For my voice students, I find it most important to pick literature that will be healthy for students to sing, as well as enrich their vocal development. For younger students, I like to both work on folk songs and music theater, and appropriate popular music if they are interested. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I received my Master’s degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, studying with former LA Philharmonic Principal cellist Peter Stumpf, and my bachelor’s degree at Temple University, studying with cellist Jeffrey Solow. As a chamber musician, I have studied with Menahem Pressler, Mark Kaplan, Jorja Fleezanis, and Kurt Muroki. Other studies include masterclasses with Fred Sherry, Colin Carr, Tokyo String Quartet, St. Lawerence String Quartet,and Ben Zander. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lou has worked as a jazz and pop pianist/keyboard player and teacher for over 30 years. In addition, he was a music teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. He studied with numerous jazz and classical teachers, including Jimmy Giuffre, Roland Hanna, and Frank Wigglesworth. He is currently studying the Taubman approach to piano- a system that teaches an ergonomic approach. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy follows the belief that musical understanding and maturity are easier to discuss once the student is able to execute a variety of technical details. I often say that technique is teaching a student how to make ten shades of blue, but musicality is deciding which shade of blue to use. Musicality can be more subjective than technique, although there are certain guidelines for each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I LOVE to see my students with a SMILE on their face when we together find possible solutions for any technical difficulties they encounter. The beauty and novelty of the solution that emerged in the process of solving complex tasks can bring an astounding joy of creativity. I am convinced that only a creative instructor can foster a creatively thinking student. Therefore, to prepare the student for self-creative activity, I must actively enrich knowledge and share my experience with students, update and design study material depending on intellectual and psychological aspects of students, be aware of their interests and individual traits so that in the future they can use the knowledge and skills to apply not only at school but also in life. Read More