Music Lessons in Thornton, PA

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching for 36 years, and I love when students have fun at their lesson and are excited about their pieces. In my experience I find every student learns differently, and so I have developed various approaches to solve a wide assortment of technical problems. I have expertise in correcting those habits and problems that frustrate students and lead to performance issues. I work well and have successfully taught children diagnosed with emotional and behavioral difficulties like ADHD and anxiety disorders. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I love seeing my students succeed! One of my favorite things about teaching is watching the students eyes light up when they achieve their current goal! To achieve this, I like to teach at the students own pace and with their chosen material. While it is very important to practice, I do not want to make music seem like a chore. By allowing the students to choose their own material, they are much more likely to self motivate! Read More

Instruments: Cello

For early students, I typically start with the Suzuki books, as I like the organized technical and musical progression of each piece. As the students develop I begin to add supplimentary materials such as etude and scale books. Students can progress from open strings to Bach with ease. More advanced students can expect a healthy dose of scales, Popper etudes, concertos, and Bach.  Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I'm adamant about learning exercises from the "Arbans Book". This book is essential the brass bible that teaches proper fundamental techniques while developing reading skills. We will extensively on flexibility and scales through out all stages of development as well as intonation on the instrument. I am also really detailed about developing ear training to identify notes with out use of music and vice versa. A complete musician can both read and use his trained ear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

For beginning piano students, I usually employ the Faber or Alfred Series books. They are intuitive and the various books (Lesson, Theory, Technique, Performance, etc) complement each other well! They also have an "older beginner" series that is great for teens and adults that are new to piano. I also encourage my students to try composition, even if it is very simple melodies. This is usually after they have established a good grasp on beginning music theory concepts.  For beginning voice, we begin half with the essential signing technique as well as the beginning musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I have brought beginners who have never touched music before to work up to Bach and Vivaldi, as well as to their favorite classics like Fleetwood Mac. On the other hand, I have a high level of training and have coached young semi professionals before auditions and competitions to help fine tune their playing before the big day. I know what judge panels are looking for and this can be a helpful tool for a student trying to break into an academic or professional setting. Read More