Music Lessons in Whitney, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young beginners, I like to use the Faber and Faber series. They do a wonderful job incorporating reading, listening, and writing into the curriculum. I also think creativity is a huge part of music. I love asking students to write their own songs. When I play their compositions on the piano, their reactions are priceless! For older beginners, advanced students, and voice students I use a similar approach but with supplemental materials. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For students who are children I start with methods such as Hal Leonard to accommodate for their smaller hands. After the student is comfortable with the guitar we will move on to more challenging solo pieces and branch off into which genre they are interested in. For teenage and adult students I begin teaching the basic fundamentals for the guitar and move on to what ever genre the student wishes to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I like to work with students through the Rubank Method books. These are excellent books for any level musician to pick up and work from. I use these as a foundation of technique that can be translated to repertoire. Again depending on the style of music the student wants/needs to practice, I will pull from etudes, solo transcriptions, and popular music to start building the student's repertoire. I will also work with students on building skills in improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a performer, I've been "1st call" guitarist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Pittsburgh Musical Theatre for many years. I've also toured the eastern half if the USA and Canada with country-rock and "top 40" circuit bands, and recently appeared locally with a Journey / Foreigner / Styx tribute band, "Any Way You Want It" and a popular Casino / club date band, "Metro." I'm currently very active as a solo guitarist for weddings, corporate events, and resorts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, we will go over the basics of single-note playing, as well as basic chords. We will also cover basic rhythms, so they can build up to playing their favorite songs. There are also many ways to be creative with music, and we may also play some musical games to make practicing more fun. If students are interested in composing or song-writing, I can assist with that as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I have a "less talk, more play" approach to music. People learn instruments because they want to play music, and that is always the focus in my lessons. While some instructors incessantly talk about theory, history, and other music concepts, I prefer to keep the talking to a minimum and have my students play their instrument as much as possible. I also tend to move at a quick pace, but I always adapt my pacing to meet the needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love guitar, so, teaching guitar is just another expression of my passion for music. I develop a trusting, professional relationship with my students. I answer their questions, I listen to them, I understand that they are in a very important and challengning phase of their musical developmet and education. I value their input, efforts, knowledge, experience, and talent. As a matter of fact, I learn a great deal as a teacher from my students! Read More