Music Lessons in Grindstone, PA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love teaching and spreading the joy of music. Now that Im not in a physical classroom, I cannot wait to teach flute students in private studio settings! I graduated with my degree in music education from Westminster College in 2010. I taught grades K-8, choir and instrumental students in Pittsburgh Public Schools until 2021. I also have my masters in curriculum and instruction from Point Park University and wrote the music department curriculum for the district in 2019. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I began teaching lessons in college when I was in a piano pedagogy class. At that time, I also began teaching private band and string instruments. I had a student teaching experience where I was able to teach band instruments with students in grades 5-8. After that experience I accepted a job in North Carolina as an orchestra director. I also taught choir students, and I taught private piano and string students on the side. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I have many books for beginners that I used growing up. I usually get a feel how the student is going to learn to enjoy music and then go from there. There are different types of beginner books, one focusing more on the technical aspect and the other one on note reading right from the start, so its really based on how the student learns and take small steps from there. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

My methodology follows a template: I will first establish a firm grasp on the fundamentals before moving my emphasis towards precise intonation and rhythm. I will then focus on giving students the creative drive and the tools to be masterful artists of their instruments so they are better able to bring a story to the notes on the paper. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

For young students or beginners, I start with a lesson book such as Essential Elements or Accent on Achievement. Each of these methods series have multiple books that the student can progress through. Once they have reached a certain level of understanding, I will sprinkle in songs that they know and enjoy, such as Disney songs, pop songs, etc. For high school students, I start with famous repertoire for their instrument or more advanced pieces they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More