Music Lessons in Leetsdale, PA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. 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: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As for my educational pedigree, I was graduated cum laude from Boston's Berklee College of Music (1979); earned a Master's Degree in Music Theory from Duquesne University (1987); and was engaged in post-graduate studies in Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (1987-90). I know have much to offer any interested student. I very much enjoy taking beginning level students, ensuring they "learn it right the first time." I recently had a high school student who placed 3rd in the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition with less than 4 years of study with me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Teaching style: having the student focus on simplicity...focus on practice, practice, practice....focus on enjoying the lesson, not dreading it. I will assess the students' needs simply by having a conversation first. Then ask some basic questions about what music style is appealing to them. Most important is that whatever the student's level is, just feel comfortable, relaxed and look forward to this wonderful journey that is called "Playing the Guitar"!    Keep in mind, my schedule is flexible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important aspect of teaching for me is seeing my students develop a love and curiosity for music. Nothing makes a better musician than a deep personal passion and desire to learn more about the subject. This is why each student will develop at their own pace. By setting realistic goals for each student that will both challenge and inspire them, I can better tailor my methods of instruction to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Students have the most fun and learn the most when they are doing what they would like to do. This doesn't mean that the fundamentals aren't important but when it comes to the pieces and etudes we study the student will play what they would like to play. If I pick a piece that the student simply doesn't like then I will work with them to figure out what piece is suitable for them and help them get the most enjoyment from it. 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