Music Lessons in Nixon, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I want to help every student achieve their personal goals in music, whether it is to work on school music, learn a new instrument or become a professional musician. I encourage structure in the lessons, but am flexible to work on the students needs. I focus on helping students create their best possible sound and communicate with expression. I want my students to perform and experience live performances. I provide serval venues and ensembles where I perform as well as other performances happening in the Pittsburgh area. 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 Viola

I prefer to teach using the Suzuki books, since I believe it is a well rounded learning of fun music while teaching technique and musical abilities. I expect my students to practice at least 6 times a week. My students are encouraged to practice by ear, to encourage the love for music. If the student is more advanced, they will begin working on Carl Flesch Scales and Wolfhart etudes. I will also hand out music based on the student passion be it movie theme songs, Christian, or Celtic. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I am a patient and empathetic teacher who puts students' needs first instead of enforcing my ideas on them. I am currently completing my PhD in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh, where I just defended my dissertation for graduation. I did my Masters at Manhattan School of Music in Music Composition. Prior to my PhD studies, I also taught piano and music theory at Brooklyn Musical Arts. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I meet with students for an introductory lesson. We discuss their goals. I suggest method books, online learning tools, and other strategies that they can use while they study and practice. During lessons, we review songs, techniques, theory, and other concepts that they are studying and need to improve on. In my experience, by providing a custom lesson plan, students can improve in the areas that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe that anyone can learn music and can play piano beautifully! I begin using a method book and branch out into music that they love! I love the Faber and Faber method.  It combines performance, theory, technique, ear training, transposition, and so many unique skills and styles.  It really gives the student the opportunity to try everything.  It also allows the instructor to tailor each lesson to the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

I come to teaching with the understanding that every student is different. We will try to get at each problem in a variety of ways, and see what works for you. We will also gear our curriculum towards the student's own interests, keeping in mind that there is plenty of material that is common to everyone's growth. Since lesson time is limited, I won't waste time telling stories or lecturing you about different musical concepts. Read More