Music Lessons in Smithfield, PA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

One of my first jobs was teaching electric guitar. I love guitar and I love music. When I teach, my students have fun and learn quickly. My teaching style is casual, with an intensive focus on technique and theory, as well as the songs and music that my students want to learn. I have helped some students advance their own music career. By sharing my vast knowledge and experience, my students, through practice, advance quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching lessons started back in high school, playing with the schools jam band. I'd give lessons for 20-30 minutes on scales, chords, circle of 5th and so on. After graduating high school, I moved to Los Angeles to continue musicianship. Giving private lessons in Hollywood I began to see the power of passing music along. I will never forget when I had one of my first few students bring a new song to me and played it all on his own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For the beginning students I will introduce the basic music theory studying combines with technical studying, which are improving the students to get the grasp of foundmentals, and depends on the different situations of the students to choose the most suitable repertoire appropriate for their performance and recitals. For adults, it’s especially to be careful with choosing the right repertoire to show the best part of their own, and help them improve the technical part in order to be a good performer! Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students, I like to build a good foundation. I start with breathing exercises and a little mouthpiece buzzing. Then move on to a beginning book with helpful exercises as well as writing my own to tailor to the student's individual needs. I will begin to introduce solo repertoire once the student has a solid grasp on fundamentals and always encouraging them to keep practicing those key elements. I also like to incorporate anything the student might be interested in to keep the student engaged and excited to practice between lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I believe it is important for any teacher to be patient and compassionate. Every student is different in their abilities and learning processes. So I remain flexible in trying new ways to keep students engaged and not be distracted if certain techniques become difficult. Unlike a course where you receive a grade, lessons are like coaching sessions. Similar to coaching sports, consistent workouts and drills help build the foundation to perform. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Each student is unique, and my teaching style changes to accommodate differences in age, musical background, musical interests, and goals. For younger students, I recommend a shorter 30 minute session, often broken into segments to retain focus with a child's attention span Each lesson begins with review of assigned material and explanation of the next assignment. When a student has enough background to apply to songs / styles they'd like to learn, we move in that direction, usually with some back and forth with the text. Read More