Music Lessons in Holland, PA

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

With my bass students, I begin with basic technique and ear training. My first goal for a student is to learn one of their favorite simple folk songs by ear, while also developing basic musical skills and instrumental technique. I believe that it is extremely important to begin developing a students aural abilities and creativity early on. I also will have the student begin to work out of the Simandl bass method book for simple exercises and introduction to reading music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For all of my students, I typically start with teaching (for more advanced students at least reviewing) the fundamentals of breathing for singing. From there I move on to phonation: how to produce a healthy sound, in coordination with and supported by the breath. After the student has begun to grasp these fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire based on the where the student is developmentally and their goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

I combine traditional technique and modern A/V technology to teach immersive drum-lessons that accelerate the student drummers skill, musicality, listening, and notation literacy. While I may reach for a book to cite exercises from books like GL Stones Stick Control or example patterns from Hal Leonwards The New Breed, I do not teach by the book for my students. Instead, I survey students inspiration, goals, and learning style to progress from their passion first, with a focus on learning the drum parts of the songs they love, both by ear and charting in notation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I'm a big believer in setting small but achievable goals. I also believe that achieving technical mastery of an instrument is a simple process of building habits. Some students may want to be pushed hard and challenged at every turn. Other students may not respond so well to such an approach so a different pace and style is required. It all depends on the student but in general I think a friendly smile and warm demeanor create a comfortable environment for the student to ask questions and perform their best each time I see them. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching since 2007, and have worked with nearly all levels -- from the ultra beginners who have never held a flute to the advanced flutist who has gone on to place in competitions or won collegiate scholarships. I've had 6-year-old students and 60-year-old students. In addition, I also have given workshops on topics such as stage presence, vibrato, and intonation, and have conducted three different flute choirs. I always try to gear lessons to individual needs; for those who want to enjoy playing, I can provide fun as well as structure to lead improvement -- and for those who wish to be competitive musicians, I can provide the necessary framework to help you reach your goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I began teaching private lessons when I was a junior in high school and have been teaching since then. My philosophy is that any one can play an instrument with the proper instruction and patience. I encourage my students to practice regularly and strive to achieve their goals, but most importantly my goal is to help them to feel more confident and enjoy music, no matter what stage they are at in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have created a curriculum which is comprised of the Suzuki series for Violin, the String Builder Series by Samuel Applebaum; the Introducing the Positions-Volumes I & 2 and Scale studies by Harvey S. Whistler. Music theory is taught using the Master Theory Series by Charles S.Peters and Paul Yoder. Additional Etudes that focus on Bowings, and Double Stops are taught to the more advanced student. Musical compositions such as Sonatas and Concertos by the major composers continue to develop the skills of the advanced student. Read More