Music Lessons in Mckeesport, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I have a "less talk, more play" approach to music. People learn instruments because they want to play music, and that is always the focus in my lessons. While some instructors incessantly talk about theory, history, and other music concepts, I prefer to keep the talking to a minimum and have my students play their instrument as much as possible. I also tend to move at a quick pace, but I always adapt my pacing to meet the needs of the student. Read More

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

Lessons NEED to be enjoyable, almost memorable experience. My philosophy is: as a teacher, the student should want to have another lesson the following week. Meaning, having something say a scale, 3 notes, a chord, or almost a whole song really understanding and sticks to the mind. This should make the student want to learn something new the following week, continuing the snowball effect of music theory (jamming as the kids say it). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For a beginner vocalist, I will always begin with standard bel canto vocalises. These promote, first and foremost, the health of the voice. They also build flexibility, agility, and suppleness within the vocal cords. As students advance, these vocalises become more and more advanced. The technique built in the vocalises eventually infiltrates a singers' repertoire, and appropriate repertoire choices are extremely important and made thoughtfully. Pianists begin with an introduction through scales and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

In my studio, I encourage students to look solely at their own track. Everyone's journey is different. We all start lessons at a different age, have different strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes! I welcome my students to share what they love...and hate... so I can tailor our time together to fit their specific learning styles. My teaching philosophy includes asking questions and planning activities that enhance cognitive function. I want to give my students the tools they need so they can look at a piece of music and say, "I know how to practice this," or "I can play this." If my students don't need me anymore, I have done my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

Teachers have a responsibility to serve their students in the best way possible. I want to teach my students under the heading of creativity, kindness, and knowledge. I like to involve students in setting their own individual goals. I acknowledge the individual goals and interests of students through choosing repertoire that is meaningful and engaging to them. During lessons, I play or sing examples and duets with students frequently in order to act as a model for certain concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been playing guitar and bass for 32 years, and I have studied with some of the most well-respected rock, classical and jazz musicians in the world, including Jeffery Mangone (principal bassist of the Pittsburgh Opera), Jeff Grubbs (bassist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), jazz great Dwayne Dolphin, Dino Fiumara (owner/founder of BSX Bass), Joey Granati (G-Force, Granati Brothers), and Berklee School of Music graduate Rick Mals. Read More