Piano Lessons in Bakerstown, PA

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Learning to internalize music and see its connection is done through practice and technique. As we are in permanence and music is in transience, I focus on the permanence with the student; the technique, discipline, rhythm, so the student himself/herself has the tools to transcend the piano into music. Practice is the bread and butter for improving so I always give the student lessons to do until next time we meet, focusing on technique, as that will give the student power for music reading and learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I've taught public school elementary band for 30 years, have been a church organist for 70 years, and taught piano and organ for 57 years. I accompanied church and school choirs and orchestra through high school and on into college and then directed such groups; so I know what skills are needed to perform and what it feels like to be put in such a position. Since I've been teaching so long, I can anticipate where in the assignment, the student is likely to be challenged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

My main objective is to find the optimal way to help each student master the material or skills taught. I deeply value understanding student's needs in order to guide them through their challenges accordingly. In addition, I believe that learning music should be engaging and meaningful. For example, students are encouraged to set their own poetry, short stories, or paintings to music. This provides them the opportunity to apply what they have learned and internalize new skills through practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either the John Schaum method book series or the James Bastien method book series. Both book series are fun, colorful, and engaging for the student. Once the student has progressed to have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching professionaly since the age of 19.  It's been an unbelievable 19years. My performance experience ranges from winning college competitions, serving as pianist, organist, and music director for many local congregations, to singing in a cover band with my husband. I have a broad knowledge of musical styles and cultures. Over the past 19 years I have taught students from the young to the young at heart, students with special needs, and directed independent studies in pedagogy. Read More