Piano Lessons in Nixon, PA

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

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 Voice Drums Synthesizer

As mentioned my teaching methods are as follows. Beginners in Piano - Scales, proper fingering positions and usage, posture and accurate knowledge of reading music. Beginners in Drums - Proper usage of drumsticks, demonstrate the two postions of holding the drumstick, knowledge of basic rhythm patterns, proper height and angle of drum or practice pad, and most importantly, the study of the 26 standard drum rudiments for proper playing developiment. Vocal Techniques: Proper breathing support, demonstrating the difference between using the breath and using the throat when singing, encourage student to record their lessons for accurate practice and knowledge of hearing themselves sing, (approved by student's preference). 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 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

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time around 15 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and popular music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Recorder Fiddle Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I strongly believe that every person can succeed in music given proper attention and opportunity, and therefore focus my lessons differently for individual students according to their skills and interests. For beginning students, unless they are adults or already proficient in another instrument, I always start with my favorite method books to ensure the fundamentals are firmly established. I usually realy on Alfred's Basic Piano Course, Strictly Strings, Suzuki, or Essental Elements depending on the instrument I'm teaching. Read More