Piano Lessons in Smithfield, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I am a passionate, hard-working singer and instructor who loves to encourage and motivate beginning and intermediate singers to become more confident in their study of music. In 2019, I graduated from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music with my Masters in Early Music Voice, where I engaged in intense performance study of baroque and renaissance music along with many other styles. My performances and recordings have a particular focus on early seventeenth-century English and Italian vocal repertoire, which gives me the unique opportunity to allow historical research to inform my performances of the repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either the John Schaum method book series or the James Bastien method book series. Both book series are fun, colorful, and engaging for the student. Once the student has progressed to have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

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

Lessons NEED to be enjoyable, almost memorable experience. My philosophy is: as a teacher, the student should want to have another lesson the following week. Meaning, having something say a scale, 3 notes, a chord, or almost a whole song really understanding and sticks to the mind. This should make the student want to learn something new the following week, continuing the snowball effect of music theory (jamming as the kids say it). Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Chinese pianist, Xuelai W., recently relocated to Pittsburgh from Phoenix. She is a sought-after collaborative pianist, chamber musician, vocal coach, and church musician. Her passion and experience for both instrumental and vocal collaboration have led her to share the stage with renown artists and young talented musicians. Before she moved to Pittsburgh, she was the pianist for Arizona Opera, where she has given close to 200 performances and presentations with the outreach program, introducing opera to the younger generation and communities in the Greater Phoenix area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, we will go over the basics of single-note playing, as well as basic chords. We will also cover basic rhythms, so they can build up to playing their favorite songs. There are also many ways to be creative with music, and we may also play some musical games to make practicing more fun. If students are interested in composing or song-writing, I can assist with that as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

Lessons with Arias are always tailored to the individual student and that student's needs in order to facilitate maximum growth as a trumpet player and musician. Arias believes in an individualized approach, meeting the student where he/she is and moving forward through the developmental process, beginning with a strong base of fundamentals and an ever-present focus on musicality, expression, and exploration as an artist. Arias works to foster a positive learning environment where the student can learn and develop a positive self-image and confidence, while also being pushed to achieve their maximum potential as a musician and person. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The two methods I typically use for young beginners are "The Music Tree" by Franicis Clark, and "Piano Adventures" by Faber and Faber. As the child progresses, I add supplemental materials and more advanced performance pieces that may be used for recitals. For adults, there are a variety of good methods that I draw from, taking their genre and style preferences in mind. Read More