Music Lessons in Hannastown, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My teaching experience dates back to my days as a vocal performance major at West Virginia University, where I began teaching private lessons and group lessons to members of my church music ministry. One particular joy that I take from teaching private lessons is seeing students who want to sing but struggle with issues of confidence have a breakthrough where they take a risk in a performance and achieve something they never thought they could do before! Read More

Instruments: Cello

While I have a general curriculum, I am very flexible and try to adjust to my every student individually. Generally I like to employ books by Suzuki, as I find them very methodical, as well as easily accessible. I supplement the Suzuki books by Alwin Schroeder's 170 foundation studies, and lots of scales and technical exercises. I encourage active listening and work with a student to build confidence performing. In addition to learning the instrument I advise on the business side of music making, making sure you have the knowledge and tools to plug your skills and talent in real life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons part time in high school. I have been teaching for five years and I have been consistently teaching students in their homes and at my studio at Westminster. I have encouraged regular practice, especially in younger students so they can develop their skills and passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical guitar students, I've found the best methods to building a good foundation as well as technique is both the Christopher Parkening and Frederick Noad methods. The student also gets a great selection of repertoire to go along with the basics of technique in each. For all other styles of playing, I've found that the Berklee Guitar Methods work well in building the fundamentals in a students playing in the beginning stages. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically use a combination of methods. For clarinet teaching, I like to use the Breeze-Easy method and also some materials from the Rubank method books. For intermediate or school-aged students, I like to supplement the material they are learning in school. I like to continue to use Rubank, Klose, and Rose books to continue to develop technique and musicality. For more advanced students or adult learners, I try to cater to the specific interests of the student while continuing to work on improving fundamental skills on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I would define my teaching style as being both caring and encouraging while providing the proper amount of structure for improvement. Enjoyment is imperative to this process. The student will be assigned specific method books and I as the instructor, will review their progress outside of the studio space when we meet. Read More