Music Lessons in Rural Valley, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have cultivated several concerto competition winners for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Philharmonic concerto competitions. A number of my students continued to study music in some of the most prestigious music schools in the world including Julliard School of Music, Rice University, Indiana University Bloomington, Northwestern University, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Carnegie Mellon University. My teaching prowess has garnered international demand and I have taught masterclasses in the U.S., China and Chile. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important aspect of teaching for me is seeing my students develop a love and curiosity for music. Nothing makes a better musician than a deep personal passion and desire to learn more about the subject. This is why each student will develop at their own pace. By setting realistic goals for each student that will both challenge and inspire them, I can better tailor my methods of instruction to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I am using my experience with Musika to hone my skills as an educator. I have participated in clinics in Japan and Korea, where I developed skills in individual and group instruction. I have worked with sectionals in the army in addition to directing rehearsals. The most important lesson I hope to impart on my students is the necessity of quality over quantity while also maintaining a love for the art of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

In all of my teaching, I combine my students' interests with the leading pedagogy practices in string education to develop the foundational skills of the instrument as well as a fondness for it. There are several method books that I use such as Suzuki, Schroeder's Cello Etudes, and Fiddler's Philharmonic, however, I tailor each lesson path to each student based on student interest as well as proper sequencing. I generally start with these method books, especially for cello, for beginning students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been teaching since 2006 and have had students become music educators and amateur musicians. I have students performing in PMEA district band, honors bands, HS marching bands and community bands. I work with clarinet and saxophone students of all levels, and beginner piano students. When students are interested, I can provide performance experience through a few recital opportunities. I am constantly exploring new teaching techniques and finding ways to best reach my students individually. Read More