Music Lessons in Murrysville, PA

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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. 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: Piano

Every student learns differently, and I believe that it's important not to rush their development. Because playing music gets increasingly complicated, it's important that students are comfortable with their current skill level so that they can realistically challenge themselves to attempt the next one. This enables them to find their own strength and encourages autonomy in their creative experience. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since graduating from Bethany College in 2010, I taught at a music studio in Wheeling, WV. Unfortunately, the studio closed down. Along with teaching there, I was giving private lessons from home and continue to do so. Teaching is something that gives me the opportunity to pass on what I've learned so far and also to instill students with the opportunity to continue a journey of lifelong learning with music. I've had so many great experiences with music and teaching also allows me to help students create their own experiences with music that could impact their life in a positive way. 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 Voice Flute

Young beginner piano students begin with Bastien's Piano Party combined with my unique curriculum developed from years of teaching early childhood music. As they age, students tend to lean towards their own peculiar interests, which I happily incorporate. Such suggestions are evidence of student growth and engagement! Flute students approach teachers with different sets of needs. While working on school and competition music, I supplement tone development with Eck, and use baroque studies for technique. Read More