Piano Lessons in National Park, PA

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 Voice Flute

Young beginner piano students begin with Bastien's Piano Party combined with my unique curriculum developed from years of teaching early childhood music. As they age, students tend to lean towards their own peculiar interests, which I happily incorporate. Such suggestions are evidence of student growth and engagement! Flute students approach teachers with different sets of needs. While working on school and competition music, I supplement tone development with Eck, and use baroque studies for technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

Arias maintains a roster of trumpet and piano students through both her personal studio and the Monroeville Music Lesson Center. She serves as the trumpet coach for the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and is the trumpet instructor for the Norwin High School Marching Band. During her graduate studies, she served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant to Dr. James Stokes at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University and was previously the trumpet teacher for George Rogers Clarke High School in Winchester, KY; a counselor for the Morehead State University Summer Arts Academy; and an instructor for the West Union Performing Arts Camp. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

I understand each student is different, so it's about what they need instead of what I want them to be. I am extremely adaptable and flexible. I've heard a lot of stories from my students where their previous music teachers discouraged them by not listening to them at all. Me myself had similar experience as well, therefore, I completely understand how terrifying it could get when students needs are not being heard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

In my studio, I encourage students to look solely at their own track. Everyone's journey is different. We all start lessons at a different age, have different strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes! I welcome my students to share what they love...and hate... so I can tailor our time together to fit their specific learning styles. My teaching philosophy includes asking questions and planning activities that enhance cognitive function. I want to give my students the tools they need so they can look at a piece of music and say, "I know how to practice this," or "I can play this." If my students don't need me anymore, I have done my job! 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 Organ

I listen the music which the student has been practicing. Then, I guide him/her to make corrections and enhancements.  I use positive reinforcement to strengthen those parts of the performance, and suggest and demonstrate correct concepts.  Then, after hearing the piece again, decide whether review the assignment or move on.  Playing duets with the student is often part of the process. Doing that helps them feel the true meaning of the music; and also helps make up for a pianist's ordinarily lack of group playing because he usually practices alone. Read More