Music Lessons in Mc Kees Rocks, PA

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I am a driven player who believes ardently in the practice of fundamentals and the accuracy of intonation. I auditioned for the U.S Army Band in 2004 and spent 10 years traveling with the group. During this time, I played venues all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Germany, and Iraq among others, and learned to play many different styles of music. Since then, I have been studying with several esteemed musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and I hope to impart the lessons I have learned upon my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For all beginning students who are children, but also adult beginners, I like to focus on vocal warm-ups and exercises to ensure that they develop the fundamentals of healthy singing. After getting to know the student's voice a bit, I believe that coaching solo vocal repertoire is essential to building vocal technique and confidence in performing ability for many different situations. When assigning vocal repertoire, I first like to find out what sort of music the student is interested in and also what their goals are in taking voice lessons and assign repertoire accordingly, but I also like to begin with songs from Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs and Arias book to strengthen basic breath support and a vocal line that is connected to good breath support. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been teaching privately since 2003. In 2005 I Was hired as a violin instructor at Southeastern Louisiana Community Music School where I taught for 5 years. After my Graduate studies I accepted a teaching position at Duquesne University City Music Center. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

For beginning piano students, Arias typically starts with John Thompson's piano methods books one through four with a focus on musical expression, literacy, and building a foundation of good technique. For beginning trumpet students, Arias typically uses Hal Leonards, Essential Elements Method. Depending on the student's progression and pedagogical needs, Arias next typically moves to an individually prescribed combination of Schlossberg, Clark, and Arban excersises combined with solo literature and/or etudes. 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 Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I will introduce basic guitar and musical terminology and focus and proper form of playing. Once certain fundamentals have been established I will begin to introduce a repertoire based on the student's interests and skill level. Depending on the age of the student I will start them on Berklee's Guitar Method I if they are old enough. I find it particular useful will adult students to know what types of music they are personally interested in and cater lessons to their interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin and viola for the last 10 years. My students have ranged from 4 thru 25 years of age. I love teaching the violin and viola to students who desire to learn the instruments regardless of their goals for the instrument. I strive to keep my students motivated, and if the student is bored with what is being taught I find something to inspire them. I, however, do not teach students that are unwilling practice. Read More