Piano Lessons in Massillon, OH

Instruments: Piano

Since I was inspired to play piano by ear after hearing a Mozart piano sonata when I was five, my love of music brought me to many places performing professionaly, whether it's a Dvorak trio, a big band standard, or a Daft Punk cover.  I began my formal training at the Cleveland Institute of Music for eleven years, while also studying violin, percussion, trumpet, and composing along the way.  Beginning by performing as a freelance accompanist, church organist, and teaching piano at Baldwin - Wallace College, I've gone on to play at the University of Connecticut Chamber Music Festival in 2009, and earned my Master's in piano performance in 2010. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Nothing is better than watching a student make the transition from one level of playing to the next. It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. This is achieved by setting realistic goals each week. I love to encourage students' success by acknowledging their accomplishments, no matter how small. This helps fuel their desire to get better. I want to know what inspires my students so I can bring that into the lesson every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My initial lesson with the student will involve gauging the interests and skill level of the student, as well as determining what motivates him/her and creates excitement about music. Thereafter, I choose one or two method books which seem to best fit the student's ability level and contain exercises and short etudes which will maintain the student's interest and motivation. I also stay attuned to the student's preferred musical styles, and incorporate techniques that will best serve the music that they prefer to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon

I began teaching privately as a high school student, working with begnning students at the middle school. I have taught privately in my home and in students' homes since graduating from college. Regular practice is very important and something I emphasize with my students. I like to include a mixture of classical and modern music in my lessons, so that students enjoy what they are learning and playing. If a student does not enjoy their time playing their instrument, they will not want to put the practice in and lessons will become a point of argument.  Read More

Instruments: Piano

I love seeing my students' pride as they are successful in music. With the student, I work to establish short- and long-term goals and I try to provide incentive for meeting these goals. I have a prize box from which the student can pick something (Small candies, pencils, pens, stickers, bubbles, etc.) when they achieve a short-term goal (i.e. learn 5 songs in February, or something similar). When a student achieves a long-term goal (a specific festival rating, completing a level in their method, etc) I have gift cards that they choose from. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 2016, I graduated from Cleveland Institute of Music with a Artist Diploma degree in Piano Performance. Performing all over the world has been one of the greatest experiences of my life as a musician, and I've had the opportunity to play both at the Cleveland Severance Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as touring China, Japan, Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Israel as several performances as the principle pianist with major orchestras. Read More