Piano Lessons in Smithfield, PA

Instruments: Piano Music

My main objective is to find the optimal way to help each student master the material or skills taught. I deeply value understanding student's needs in order to guide them through their challenges accordingly. In addition, I believe that learning music should be engaging and meaningful. For example, students are encouraged to set their own poetry, short stories, or paintings to music. This provides them the opportunity to apply what they have learned and internalize new skills through practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I approach teaching by making sure that each student is learning at their own pace and always remains passionate about music even when they struggle to achieve a certain technical skill in singing. With my students, I try to build vocal technique and performance skill at a pace that is appropriate for each student and introducing challenging skills only at a gradual pace. By acknowledging technical progress as it happens, the student receives the encouragement to push forward in their studies and maintains a positive attitude towards music. Read More

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

My number one rule for teaching is patience and setting small goals each week. Every student should want to pick up the instrument days after the lesson. Seeing someone learn a song and playing it through correctly is a mini miracle. Progress through repetition and different exercises has been a high yield of success in my personal experiences. Praise for when a student fulfills a goal goes a far way in future lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I have been teaching for forty years. I started when I was in high school and my first student was dad's mechanic's son. He was four years old. About two years ago he found me on facebook and it's a good feeling to know he plays professionally in a Metal Band! I've taught in every city that I have lived in and varied ages and levels from beginner to advanced students that play professionally but wanted to learn jazz for instance. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe that anyone can learn music and can play piano beautifully! I begin using a method book and branch out into music that they love! I love the Faber and Faber method.  It combines performance, theory, technique, ear training, transposition, and so many unique skills and styles.  It really gives the student the opportunity to try everything.  It also allows the instructor to tailor each lesson to the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I have always focused on teaching each student holistically. I hope to influence students in their discovery of music through various modalities of learning, including visual, auditory, proprio-kinesthitic (movement), with a special focus on audiation. During piano and flute study, we explore the instruments as acoustical marvels and the students' interactions with them. Voice lessons always involve the whole body and mind. Listening homework is as important as practicing. I teach simple editing and technology to supplement the experience. Read More