Music Lessons in Lima, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For absolute beginners I make sure that they know the guitar strings and make sure they get to know the fretboard by learning the pentatonic scales and basic chord shapes. First we will learn what an octave is and where they are on the fretboard. After we learn octaves we learn the scales and the notes on the high and low E string. After that we start with our sharps and flats. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I try to cater my methods to the individual students goals and personality, however ultimately utilizing the same materials. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone is a great tool for drummers. It offers simple, effective patterns for developing technique, skill, and vocabulary. It can be used intensively or casually as we borrow concepts and patterns to work with. Rudiments are the foundation of quality drumming and they can be developed using this book as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a passionate bass vocalist who has had the fortune of performing around the country with opera companies such as Wolf Trap Opera, Philadelphia Opera, and Michigan Opera Theatre. Throughout my travels, I have learned and seen what it takes to be a truly great opera singer. I take this discipline in performance and travel to my career as an educator. As your instructor, I would first listen to what makes your voice truly magnificent. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It is important to be musically ambidextrous: chances are, in your band's rehearsal, your other musicians will share ideas using tabs, not traditional notation. You can be the best note-reader on planet Earth, but if you cannot communicate a language others use, you find yourself stuck. I always incorporate music that my student likes to listen to, and frequently request Spotify or iTunes playlists for reference. I try to adapt pop songs into my curriculum (from their playlists) to teach chord theory and songwriting structure, and encourage students to write their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that each student having come from their own background requires a method tailored to their own needs. Younger students may require basics, but if theyve played an instrument and have a strong understanding of the fundamentals and building blocks of music, they can be miles ahead of the curve. That being said, I like to start new students off by allowing them to sing a song that they love to sing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I like to be flexible to the students needs and learning style. Ive used many method books often going off what the student is already working on for band or in school. If the student is more advanced I will assign method books such as the Arbans, Clarke, and Charlier books. I also like to incorporate music the student is interested in and wants to learn. I often work on the fundamentals of breath support to create the best sound possible. Read More

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

Versatile, skillful guitarist and a highly motivated, charismatic educator who feels at home in the classroom. Highly proficient in Ear Training, Music Theory, Music Technology, and Jazz Studies. Adept at creating impactful classroom presentations and thought provoking exercises to promote student engagement. Possesses strong communication skills to foster efficient and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators. Teaching history out of a textbook is one thing...teaching a student to hear the color of an altered dominant chord is a totally different beast. Read More