Music Lessons in Warrendale, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical guitar students, I've found the best methods to building a good foundation as well as technique is both the Christopher Parkening and Frederick Noad methods. The student also gets a great selection of repertoire to go along with the basics of technique in each. For all other styles of playing, I've found that the Berklee Guitar Methods work well in building the fundamentals in a students playing in the beginning stages. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although I began performing and teaching while still a teenager, I consider the beginning of my full time career to begin upon my graduation from Berklee (1979). I had taught on and off through C.A. House Music in Wheeling, WV, and also as a teaching assistant during my years of graduate study. In 1994, I developed WVU's first program in Guitar Performance, where I taught until 2018. During this period I also taught at Frostburg University, Washington Jefferson University, and West Liberty University, where I continue as an adjunct Professor of Guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I typically recommend that all beginner students start with Hal Leonard's guitar method books to learn the essential notes, chords, scales, styles, and music theory. After a student becomes comfortable with the basics, I begin diving into what styles or genres the student enjoys or favors. Tailoring lessons for each individual student is very important to my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Bassoon Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary depending on skill level, but with every student I begin by examining their understanding of theory as I believe theory is the basis of all music. I then like to get an understanding of what their main goals are, whether that be learning to play music for friends and family all the way up to making a career out of it. My experience in audio engineering, management, and producing also allows me to help students plan for a solid future career in whatever field suits them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I have been playing piano all my life and at this moment I am giving private lessons to beginners and looking to expand my student base. I was an Organist from October 2007 to December 2008 at Our Lady of Victory, where I played for a choir with over 15 hymns in my repertoire and performed for a congregation with over 200 participants on a weekly basis. In 2005 I was the rehearsal pianist for Southwest Ballet in Carnegie, PA. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Since picking up the drumsticks at the age of 2, playing drums has been my passion. 2014 has been a great year for me. In addition to being nominated for a Grammy in the pop remix category, I also received my first Billboard Number One single on the dance charts. I have endorsements with Los Cabos drumsticks, Ludwig drums and Paiste cymbals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For teaching clarinet students who are beginners, I use the book authored by Texas Lutheran University clarinet professor, Paula Corley entitled "So You Want to Play the Clarinet". Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I usually move to the Rubank books because of their varied content. If the student is working with a school group, we will sometimes work on that repertoire, but improving technique in general is always my focus. Read More