Music Lessons in Glen Riddle Lima, PA

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 Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I was a middle school band director and general music teacher in a public school for ten years. I instructed beginning students as well as advanced 8th graders in all brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Directing and leading concert band, marching band, drum line, and jazz band required me to remain in communication with parents and the community, keep organization and discipline in the classroom, and engage the students with well-prepared lessons and quality band literature. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I am always listening and reacting to my students. I use a variety of methods in my teaching depending on what my students need most. Some students respond really well to demonstration and imagery, while others prefer a more directional approach in understanding the anatomy of the body and a technical understanding of what needs to be done, I strive to incorporate my lessons with theoretical and stylistic knowledge to help my students develop a self-aware ability to interpret pieces of all eras on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

I am also the creator of a unique method called "The Seven Secrets of Jazz and Soul" which emphasizes the importance of using simple/easy-to-understand language, even when teaching the most difficult of concepts. I also believe in the importance of "coaching" as opposed to lecturing and try to minimize reading, writing and one-sided lecturing during the lesson. Instead, I sit next to my students, and calmly guide them through the creative process. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My passion for the trumpet has come from developing my skills through a disciplined focus on mechanics and fundamentals. In middle school most of my development came through trial and error with a transition to private lessons my junior year of high school. I have found that a majority of young trumpet players approach the instrument in a fashion that hinders their progress. By training a student to shift from a "pressure" to a " compression" mindset they are able to use the air stream to reach their range, power and flexibility goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer

I attribute my passion in music to all of my music teachers in the past.  I know how important it is for the instructor to approach every lesson with passion in order to start develop the passion within the student.  I believe there is no progress without passion!  Along with a focused practicing schedule, I also encourage all my students to devote some time everyday to listen actively, not passively, to music (any artist or genre) for at least 30 minutes a day. Read More