Music Lessons in Freeport, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been playing guitar and bass for 32 years, and I have studied with some of the most well-respected rock, classical and jazz musicians in the world, including Jeffery Mangone (principal bassist of the Pittsburgh Opera), Jeff Grubbs (bassist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), jazz great Dwayne Dolphin, Dino Fiumara (owner/founder of BSX Bass), Joey Granati (G-Force, Granati Brothers), and Berklee School of Music graduate Rick Mals. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I consider myself to be a technical musician and I enjoy passing on knowledge about bagpipes to beginners and experienced players alike. I grew up playing pipes in Pennsylvania and began on the practice chanter at 10 years of age. Growing up near Pittsburgh, I happened to be in an area of the U.S. that had many good pipers as well as a successful summer camp program. This allowed me to receive fantastic instruction as a teenager, and I always found it to be very motivating to be around some of the top pipers in the world. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a music teacher, I've been able to work with many different ages and levels in a variety of settings. Some schools I've worked with in the Pittsburgh area include the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School, Saint Vincent College, Pittsburgh C.A.P.A. 6-12, The Yeshiva School, and the Center for Theater Arts. I have also been consistently teaching private piano in people's homes since I graduated from college. My work at Carnegie Mellon Prepatory school includes teaching the group classes for the beginning piano program, as well as preparing private students for recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginners, I like to use the Faber and Faber series. They do a wonderful job incorporating reading, listening, and writing into the curriculum. I also think creativity is a huge part of music. I love asking students to write their own songs. When I play their compositions on the piano, their reactions are priceless! For older beginners, advanced students, and voice students I use a similar approach but with supplemental materials. Read More

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 Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Once upon a time, one of my co-workers asked me to show her how to play some songs on the guitar. I can't remember exactly what those songs were, but I think it was Led Zeppelin, or something like that. Having never taught a lesson in my life up until that point, I reluctantly agreed, and later that week, she arrived at my front door with guitar in hand. As the lesson went on, I had a couple of "Aha" moments! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

Arias maintains a roster of trumpet and piano students through both her personal studio and the Monroeville Music Lesson Center. She serves as the trumpet coach for the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and is the trumpet instructor for the Norwin High School Marching Band. During her graduate studies, she served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant to Dr. James Stokes at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University and was previously the trumpet teacher for George Rogers Clarke High School in Winchester, KY; a counselor for the Morehead State University Summer Arts Academy; and an instructor for the West Union Performing Arts Camp. Read More