Music Lessons in Prosperity, PA

Instruments: Clarinet

My goal as a teacher is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for music and the clarinet with my students. I prioritize creating a strong “toolkit” of fundamental skills that we can use for all of the music we perform. Beyond teaching these fundamental skills, I find it important to introduce my students to historical and modern repertoire, clarinet and music history, audition and performance strategies, and other important musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

No matter the student's particular interests, there are a few things that are fundamental to all drummers and percussionists. We will start with the most basic techniques for producing a note: grips and stroke types. I take care to make sure the student is aware of physical tendencies that will inhibit their motion, and I keep these bad habits in check. We move on to focus on reading rhythms and subdividing a pulse. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I make sure to teach each student at his or her pace. I love to see students succeed and enjoy their lessons. I also make sure to encourage students to keep going if he or she is having a tough time with a concept or skill. 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

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching saxophone since I was myself a high school student but my most serious experience has been over the past few years. I worked as a teaching assistant to the world-renowned saxophone studio at the University of Michigan prior to my appointment at West Virginia University. I teach in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, commercial styles, and everything in-between. My saxophone studio at WVU features talented students from around the country. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

My main objective is to find the optimal way to help each student master the material or skills taught. I deeply value understanding student's needs in order to guide them through their challenges accordingly. In addition, I believe that learning music should be engaging and meaningful. For example, students are encouraged to set their own poetry, short stories, or paintings to music. This provides them the opportunity to apply what they have learned and internalize new skills through practice. Read More