Piano Lessons in Thornton, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice

My general rule of thumb is, the younger the student, the less technique I will teach. Although I do not necessarily consider there to be a minimum age requirement for pursuing voice lessons, I do copiously encourage parents to be astutely aware of the potential risks encountered when young students are taught vocal and breathing techniques which should be reserved for intermediate or advanced students. My focus with younger students is to instill a passion and excitement for music while developing fundamental techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Recorder Oboe English Horn

I am a professional oboe player and I love to teach! Inspiring others to make music and learn about music is the most fulfilling part of my career. I graduated with a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland in 2009, and I am the Second Oboe and English Horn player in the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra as well as Co-Principal Oboe of the Endless Mountain Music Festival in Wellsboro, PA. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I keep a "Piano Homework Assignment" Word document for each student on my laptop which I can then email to you after your lesson is over for reference during the week.  A usual assignment would consist of a "Warm Up" section where we focus on hand position or scales or technique, a "Lesson Book" or "Repertoire" section where we work on new pieces or songs, a "Theory" section for written assignments, a "Fun" list for pieces we are done with but want to keep playing just for fun and then a number of special sections depending on student interest.  Special sections might be things like - improvisation, composition, playing by ear, recital or competition prep, exam prep, sight reading, ear training, etc.  I'm comfortable in few method series but I prefer Faber Piano Adventures for typical beginning children and The Music Tree for very young beginners.  I try to make sure each student has a piece they love every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with method books, and focus on teaching my students how to read notes and rhythms. With young students, I also prepare fun games and activities that will help them become acquainted with the keys on the piano. As the student progresses, I find and introduce new repertoire that is appropriate for their skill level. For teenagers and adults, I find out what the student is interested in learning and how I can best help them reach their goals! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I use my own materials and lesson plans based on my past experiences and education. For beginners, I will generally start with simple songs like Sweet Home Alabama, I Love Rock n Roll, and Heathens. These are all songs that can be played and sung simply and most students have heard them already! For more advanced students, I allow them to choose their own repertoire and will teach within those songs. Read More