Music Lessons in Magnolia, PA

Instruments: Piano

My style is a blend of fun and high standards. I am very gifted at motivating people to go beyond what they can achieve on their own in a fun way. Each lesson contains performing of old pieces, learning of new pieces, theory, and technique  I believe that the student should be challenged to achieve their fullest potential while being encouraged.  Lessons should be fun and upbeat with lots of energy.  Students can achieve a great deal if they are challenged as well as loved, and if they are having fun! Read More

Instruments: Violin

Teaching my students to accomplish a goal in as small amount of time as possible may sound backwards, but it works. This does not teach them to cut corners, but rather how to be extremely efficient. I find much more success in students who need to accomplish something on 20 mins of practicing a day, than I do with students have no plan and practice for hours. I will make learning the violin a joy, I will fill students heads with as much knowledge as they can hold, and I will teach you how to make music. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students, I like to build a good foundation. I start with breathing exercises and a little mouthpiece buzzing. Then move on to a beginning book with helpful exercises as well as writing my own to tailor to the student's individual needs. I will begin to introduce solo repertoire once the student has a solid grasp on fundamentals and always encouraging them to keep practicing those key elements. I also like to incorporate anything the student might be interested in to keep the student engaged and excited to practice between lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My number one rule for teaching is patience and setting small goals each week. Every student should want to pick up the instrument days after the lesson. Seeing someone learn a song and playing it through correctly is a mini miracle. Progress through repetition and different exercises has been a high yield of success in my personal experiences. Praise for when a student fulfills a goal goes a far way in future lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a music teacher, I've been able to work with many different ages and levels in a variety of settings. Some schools I've worked with in the Pittsburgh area include the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School, Saint Vincent College, Pittsburgh C.A.P.A. 6-12, The Yeshiva School, and the Center for Theater Arts. I have also been consistently teaching private piano in people's homes since I graduated from college. My work at Carnegie Mellon Prepatory school includes teaching the group classes for the beginning piano program, as well as preparing private students for recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either the John Schaum method book series or the James Bastien method book series. Both book series are fun, colorful, and engaging for the student. Once the student has progressed to have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started teaching while I was a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University.  I taught part time private lessons and worked for a Saturday Morning music program teaching Strings and Music Theory.  I have taught in public schools for 12 years teaching strings/orchestra to elementary, middle and high school students.  I have taught students individually, in small groups and in large groups and orchestras.  I have adjudicated at competitions and festivals and taught private lessons in violin, cello and viola over the last 30 years. Read More