Piano Lessons in Dunlevy, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For piano students, I prefer Alfred's methods, whether the adult or for beginners. For band and orchestra, I use Essential Elements (or whatever their school is using), and supplement with Rubank's methods. For voice, I concentrate on whatever the student is interested in, with a foundation of good technique and understanding of the voice range and how to control it, with some solfege and sight-singing mixed in. Whatever the instrument, I follow and listen to the student to understand what they need, and change my curriculum to suit them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully customized my instruction to their interest and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Clarinet Ukulele Fiddle Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students be able to play music well after seeing it for the first time! When a student really starts to master sight-reading, that is when they are really mastering their instrument and are ready for complex materials. I encourage this by setting realist goals and incorporating sight reading into every lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students' desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. 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: Piano Voice

I love seeing students gain confidence and self-esteem through their music lessons. I also think discipline and independence can be built at home through individual daily practice. I treat my pursuit of music seriously, and encourage my students to do the same. I hope all students set goals, both within the lesson and during their weekly practice. I will always acknowledge students' progress, and will continue to push students to grow and develop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Organ Ukulele Piccolo Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically start piano lessons with the Bastien Method books, but I have started using Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber, as well as Alfred's Adult Course and Hal Leonard for my adult piano students. For flute and guitar, I start with Hal Leonard's books to help get them started. For organ, I require students to have a solid background of piano skills before they start the organ. If they already have plenty of experience, I will get them the books that are needed depending on their level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For all beginning students who are children, but also adult beginners, I like to focus on vocal warm-ups and exercises to ensure that they develop the fundamentals of healthy singing. After getting to know the student's voice a bit, I believe that coaching solo vocal repertoire is essential to building vocal technique and confidence in performing ability for many different situations. When assigning vocal repertoire, I first like to find out what sort of music the student is interested in and also what their goals are in taking voice lessons and assign repertoire accordingly, but I also like to begin with songs from Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs and Arias book to strengthen basic breath support and a vocal line that is connected to good breath support. Read More