Music Lessons in Oak Hills, PA

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

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 Drums Synthesizer

As mentioned my teaching methods are as follows. Beginners in Piano - Scales, proper fingering positions and usage, posture and accurate knowledge of reading music. Beginners in Drums - Proper usage of drumsticks, demonstrate the two postions of holding the drumstick, knowledge of basic rhythm patterns, proper height and angle of drum or practice pad, and most importantly, the study of the 26 standard drum rudiments for proper playing developiment. Vocal Techniques: Proper breathing support, demonstrating the difference between using the breath and using the throat when singing, encourage student to record their lessons for accurate practice and knowledge of hearing themselves sing, (approved by student's preference). 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: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love teaching and spreading the joy of music. Now that Im not in a physical classroom, I cannot wait to teach flute students in private studio settings! I graduated with my degree in music education from Westminster College in 2010. I taught grades K-8, choir and instrumental students in Pittsburgh Public Schools until 2021. I also have my masters in curriculum and instruction from Point Park University and wrote the music department curriculum for the district in 2019. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My teaching experience dates back to my days as a vocal performance major at West Virginia University, where I began teaching private lessons and group lessons to members of my church music ministry. One particular joy that I take from teaching private lessons is seeing students who want to sing but struggle with issues of confidence have a breakthrough where they take a risk in a performance and achieve something they never thought they could do before! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginner students, I start with teaching them the foundational clarinet skills including: embouchure, breathing, tonguing, and music theory. I then proceed to teach them the chromatic and major scales as well as arpeggios. I typically have students start off with working through the Essential Elements for Band and Rubank books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance or audition piece. Read More