Music Lessons in West Alexander, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I was 8 years old, my aunt gave me my very first piano lesson. I have such fond memories of that time with her. I still remember how we would sit on the couch and I'd try to name off the notes on my music flashcards as quickly as possible so no card would be put in the back of the pile for a redo! Fast-forward a few years and I am a Bemidji State University alumna with a dual degree in K-12 vocal music education and piano performance & pedagogy and a recent graduate with my masters degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Miami, Frost school of music. Read More

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

Lessons NEED to be enjoyable, almost memorable experience. My philosophy is: as a teacher, the student should want to have another lesson the following week. Meaning, having something say a scale, 3 notes, a chord, or almost a whole song really understanding and sticks to the mind. This should make the student want to learn something new the following week, continuing the snowball effect of music theory (jamming as the kids say it). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

Hello! I am a cellist and music educator who loves helping students succeed in music. I graduated from Duquesne University in spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a concentration in cello. I also love spending my free time playing the violin, viola, piano, and guitar. I decided to major in music because I could not imagine doing anything else with my life. I love music, and I love having the opportunity to teach it. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginner students, I start with teaching them the foundational clarinet skills including: embouchure, breathing, tonguing, and music theory. I then proceed to teach them the chromatic and major scales as well as arpeggios. I typically have students start off with working through the Essential Elements for Band and Rubank books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance or audition piece. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

My main repertoire for teaching comes from William's Levitt's "A Modern Method for Guitar". It comes with Three Volumes, and from beginner to intermediate anywhere in the book is a great place to start! From basic music reading to learning different positions, I believe that these books provide a cornerstone for even the more advanced players to refresh on in the beginning! I also strongly encourage students to bring in whatever songs or pieces they are passionate about and allow myself to build a curriculum based on their tastes and musical preferences. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

No matter the student's particular interests, there are a few things that are fundamental to all drummers and percussionists. We will start with the most basic techniques for producing a note: grips and stroke types. I take care to make sure the student is aware of physical tendencies that will inhibit their motion, and I keep these bad habits in check. We move on to focus on reading rhythms and subdividing a pulse. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As for my educational pedigree, I was graduated cum laude from Boston's Berklee College of Music (1979); earned a Master's Degree in Music Theory from Duquesne University (1987); and was engaged in post-graduate studies in Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (1987-90). I know have much to offer any interested student. I very much enjoy taking beginning level students, ensuring they "learn it right the first time." I recently had a high school student who placed 3rd in the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition with less than 4 years of study with me. Read More