Music Lessons in Vandergrift, PA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

I look forward to watching my students learn and mature in their music. It is important that each student feels comfortable and not rushed in their learning progression. Therefore, I will make sure each student is learning at their own pace and feels comfortable enough to stop me if I am moving too fast. I will work with my students to set realistic goals for the week. Additionally, I seek to find ways to make practice fun and individualized to each students so that they want to practice when they get home. 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: 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: Piano Drums

I have been teaching for forty years. I started when I was in high school and my first student was dad's mechanic's son. He was four years old. About two years ago he found me on facebook and it's a good feeling to know he plays professionally in a Metal Band! I've taught in every city that I have lived in and varied ages and levels from beginner to advanced students that play professionally but wanted to learn jazz for instance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

2023 marks my eighth year as a private lesson instructor! I taught my first lesson during college for a local studio and have continued teaching ever since. I have been a church accompanist since I was 13 years old and have accompanied many soloists, school choirs, and musical theater groups - I even played keys in a few jazz bands! I specialize in classical voice instruction, but have found the technique is very adaptable to a variety of repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Every student learns differently, and I believe that it's important not to rush their development. Because playing music gets increasingly complicated, it's important that students are comfortable with their current skill level so that they can realistically challenge themselves to attempt the next one. This enables them to find their own strength and encourages autonomy in their creative experience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More