Music Lessons in Erwinna, PA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I am an enthusiastic and fun instructor with over ten years of experience teaching. I love teaching students of all ages and skill levels. I have been playing the drums for over 20 years and playing professionally since 2006. I currently perform as a professional drummer on a regular basis and have played all over the east coast from Boston to Key West, Fl. In college I studied the drum set as well as classical percussion. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I adapt my teaching style depending on the student. I'm a firm believer one can't just follow the same recipe with every student. Every person is different. My main focus with beginning students is maintaining the fun about learning as to maintain their passion for the instrument and thus really putting the effort in. At the same time I teach them music theory as well, a deeper understanding of music theory helps the instrumentalist on many levels. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar

When I give students pieces, exercises, and examples to improve their skills, it is crucial that they not only enjoy what theyre playing but are able to apply it to other areas in their musical vocabulary. From my experience, I have noticed this excites the students the most because they are able to grasp the information in terms of how to play as opposed to what to play. When a student feels accomplished, they are more likely to practice and have the mindset of practicing to be more of a personal decision rather than a requirement. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Music Keyboard

From my years of experience both as a musician and as a teacher, communication and trust are the key components to a successful lesson. My students will always know the expectations and goals, just as I would like my students to be open enough to talk about what they are feeling, if the goals are reasonable, and if they are finding success. I will go over a foundation of basics for every student, teaching them how to practice and setting them up for success. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching classical piano, I use technique books like Hanon, Pischna for advanced beginners and intermediate. Material can range from Bach, Beethoven, Schumann etc. Contemporary methods usually from an approved song book or possibly a show tune. All students will learn from the previously method technique books. Beginners we will use some method book like Alfred or something similar. Guitar: Mel bay or something for sight reading. Wolfhardt for intermediate students. Read More