Piano Lessons in Irwin, PA

Instruments: Piano Organ

I use the John Schaum piano method course and theory and harmony lessons and supplement it with other music which the student may choose. The theory lessons provide a means to drill on the essentials by means of a work-book style in optional detached pages so that the teacher can take the papers and correct them before the next lesson. I prefer to correct them instantly and correct misunderstandings so that future assignments will be approached correctly. 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: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Once upon a time, one of my co-workers asked me to show her how to play some songs on the guitar. I can't remember exactly what those songs were, but I think it was Led Zeppelin, or something like that. Having never taught a lesson in my life up until that point, I reluctantly agreed, and later that week, she arrived at my front door with guitar in hand. As the lesson went on, I had a couple of "Aha" moments! Read More

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

My teaching lessons started back in high school, playing with the schools jam band. I'd give lessons for 20-30 minutes on scales, chords, circle of 5th and so on. After graduating high school, I moved to Los Angeles to continue musicianship. Giving private lessons in Hollywood I began to see the power of passing music along. I will never forget when I had one of my first few students bring a new song to me and played it all on his own. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My style is a blend of fun and high standards. I am very gifted at motivating people to go beyond what they can achieve on their own in a fun way. Each lesson contains performing of old pieces, learning of new pieces, theory, and technique  I believe that the student should be challenged to achieve their fullest potential while being encouraged.  Lessons should be fun and upbeat with lots of energy.  Students can achieve a great deal if they are challenged as well as loved, and if they are having fun! 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Music Acoustic Guitar

As I said before in my experience, I am a certified Suzuki violin teacher by the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and it is for that reason I principally use the Suzuki Methodology. However, I know every student is different. It is for that reason that I apply differently to each of them. I encourage my students to work toward different goals that we set up in the beginning of their lessons. Read More