Piano Lessons in Thornton, PA

Instruments: Piano

I began piano lessons with my mother at the age of 8. At 17 I began studies with Irma Harter at the Edith McIntosh School of Music on Long Island, New York. I earned her Bachelor's degree at Adelphi University, where I studied exclusively with acclaimed concert and recording artist David Bradshaw. I also studied with Laurie Ticehurst-Poole at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory from 1996 to 2005, where I participated in master classes. I have performed in recitals at Carnegie Hall's Weill Concert Hall, and I participated in an international piano festival. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I structure my lessons in the same way I structure my own personal practice. I usually start off with a few technical exercises, then cover some theory, and then work on repertoire. How much time goes in to each category will depend on the student. A beginner tends to need more time on technique, whereas someone who has an audition or recital coming up will spend most of their time on repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

I am adaptable to what interests and clicks with you as a musician, so if you want to dive deep into music theory, including music notation, harmony, advanced rhythms, awesome. If you would rather learn by ear and reading basic chord charts and lead sheets, no problem. Regardless, I like to start with establishing good form and a basic understanding of musical terms. From there, well look at the music that inspires you and craft a strategy to increase your comfort and proficiency in that area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I received my Bachelor's in Performance from Eastman School of Music. Shortly thereafter I joined the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. In Boise, I taught privately as well as at Boise State University. In addition to instrumental lessons, I taught classes in music theory, aural skills, and chamber music. Recently, I performed with the Symphony No. One chamber orchestra in Baltimore, premiering new works written for the ensemble. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to perform across the United States and in Europe. 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