Music Lessons in Hannastown, PA

Instruments: Guitar

My approach and methods of teaching are simply this: Enjoy the learning experience without getting bogged down with staring at sheet music for hours on end. Ear training and motor memory will provide a much more enjoyable learning experience and will render results at a much faster pace than "books". However, "books" are important to some degree I admit. But, practice and dedication will render the most important result....and that is ....PLAYING AND ENJOYING THE GUITAR!!!!!!!....and the music and joy it brings along. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I recently graduated from Temple University with my Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance degree, where I studied with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and gained valuable knowledge about the fundamentals of exceptional clarinet playing, such as tone production, articulation, technique, and musicality. I like to combine these important fundamental skills with music choices that are fun and engaging for students so that their learning experience is both rewarding and enjoyable. Read More

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 Guitar Voice

I have been teaching since 2012. Consistently, my students have been privately instructed in voice, guitar and piano. Though many of my students are elementary aged, I am also highly capable with teenage and adult students. My methods and personality ensure that every student receives the specialized attention and specific instruction that they want and deserve. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although I began performing and teaching while still a teenager, I consider the beginning of my full time career to begin upon my graduation from Berklee (1979). I had taught on and off through C.A. House Music in Wheeling, WV, and also as a teaching assistant during my years of graduate study. In 1994, I developed WVU's first program in Guitar Performance, where I taught until 2018. During this period I also taught at Frostburg University, Washington Jefferson University, and West Liberty University, where I continue as an adjunct Professor of Guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, we will go over the basics of single-note playing, as well as basic chords. We will also cover basic rhythms, so they can build up to playing their favorite songs. There are also many ways to be creative with music, and we may also play some musical games to make practicing more fun. If students are interested in composing or song-writing, I can assist with that as well. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More