Music Lessons in Van Voorhis, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning and intermediate clarinet and saxophone students I like using the Yamaha Advantage books or the Belwin Series. I like to use these lesson books and supplement with solo and duet material. I always encourage my students to bring in material they'd like to work on, from school band music to popular tunes they are intereseted in learning. I think it is important for all aspiring musicians to collaborate with others and make sure to play along with students in our lessons. I ask my students to plan their practice time each week, as I know how busy we all are! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For my beginning students, I teach the INstrument first. What each knob does, the names of the strings and the names of every note on the Bass/Guitar/Keyboard.The Major and Minor scales come next but examples of each are played for the student so that the color of the scales become familiar. I teach how to communicate with other musicians. Charts, Tabs and Nashville number systems are included. Read More

Instruments: Piano

While in my formative years, I enjoyed weekly piano lessons with a woman that I've come to appreciate as my second mother. She has always encouraged my talent and made sure I was using proper form as often as possible, even when I adopted the hobby of transcribing popular music to the piano and playing from rote. She has truly helped me appreciate the nuance and freedom of piano, and I joined Musika to pass that along to even more students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I am a patient and empathetic teacher who puts students' needs first instead of enforcing my ideas on them. I am currently completing my PhD in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh, where I just defended my dissertation for graduation. I did my Masters at Manhattan School of Music in Music Composition. Prior to my PhD studies, I also taught piano and music theory at Brooklyn Musical Arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

Teachers have a responsibility to serve their students in the best way possible. I want to teach my students under the heading of creativity, kindness, and knowledge. I like to involve students in setting their own individual goals. I acknowledge the individual goals and interests of students through choosing repertoire that is meaningful and engaging to them. During lessons, I play or sing examples and duets with students frequently in order to act as a model for certain concepts. Read More

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: Piano Trumpet Music

Arias is both an avid performer and educator of the trumpet and piano. She is currently a member of the Brass Band of Appalachia based out of Bristol, VA and an active freelance musician in the Pittsburgh area. She recently performed at the William Adam International Trumpet Festival; the International Trumpet Guild Conference; and was featured as a soloist with the Appalachian State University Concert Band. A native of West Union, Ohio, Arias grew up on a farm in the Ohio Valley where she spent her days either playing the trumpet for her adoring audience (her animals) or out adventuring on the farm with her horses, goats, dogs, and cats. Read More