Music Lessons in Saint Davids, PA

Instruments: Piano

I think that students learn best when they are relaxed and having fun.  So, anything I can do to keep it light - whether it's drawing a picture to make a point or making up silly words to learn a complex rhythm or using crayons to mark the sections in our music - is a win in my book!  Laughing and making mistakes are a big part of learning.  When my students make errors, I don't scold, I say "good for you, now we can learn something!" I believe that it is both possible and critical to develop the student-teacher relationship as a collaboration. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have been teaching many years now. I have been a faculty member at Richard Stockton University since 2008 where I teach private trumpet lessons and coach a small Jazz ensemble. I have also taught at University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College. In addition, I taught for many years at Hambros House of Music in south jersey where I taught mostly beginners how to play the trumpet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

It's also important, with all students, to make sure we can work in some music that they want to learn, whether it be Beatles, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Chili Peppers, Charlie Parker, etc. I think that's the best way to motivate a student, give them something they REALLY want to get under their fingers. I want to add that one of my strongest assets as a teacher is my very comprehensive knowledge of jazz language/theory and the role of the guitar player in jazz music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

I am enthusiastic about music and enjoy giving my students the tools they will need to achieve their dreams.  I don't believe I've taught two students in exactly the same way. I like to tailor my teaching for each individual I teach. I do keep in mind that some of my learners are more Visual learners, others more kinesthetic, and others more auditory.  I make use of their strengths to help them develop new musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have taught private lessons since before I graduated High School. I've playing in rock bands on drumset, pit orchestra on assorted percussion, marching bands in school and in community settings, and pretty much anything else you can name that has percussion in it. I've taught ages ranging from Kindergarten to 60+ year old retirees. I was musical director of elementary and middle school Show choruses. I was vocal coach for Deptford HS musical up until 1999. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

Prior to starting the formal lessons with the student, I like to understand why they want to play that particular instrument and the type of music that they enjoy. I also ask them about their musical experience. For example, can they read music, did they play any prior instruments, etc. Furthermore, to monitor each students' progress, I keep a lesson sheet that records what we worked on, what has been assigned, and any pertinent notes about the lessons. Read More