Piano Lessons in West Chester, PA

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

Music is the "bread" of life. What would life be without it? I believe everyone should be a participant. Everyone should play an instrument and that anyone can do it. My favorite is the piano and organ although I have played clarinet and sax in bands. Why the piano? It is definitely the most complete form of expression. Name any other instrument in an orchestra and as an individual creation of rhythm or melody it is incomplete without one or more other instruments to play with it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

My teaching is very student-driven. I try to keep the students interests as a primary goal in keeping their interest level and so that they can progress in a musical situation. When they are interested in what they are learning, they strive for success. I try to acknowledge their successes and accomplishments which helps keep them learning and wanting to learn more. The best way to learn music is to teach it effectively, and I ALWAYS am learning from my students in a variety of ways, whether it be a new group that I'm not familiar with, or another style or genre that is new and fresh. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Keyboard

I believe in developing five core areas in musicianship: Theory/Understanding, Technique, Creativity, Reading, and Versatility. Initial lessons will identify the students strong points and weak points, and a personal strategy will be employed to help strengthen and balance the student overall. Many beginning classical musicians are able to read fairly well but have little to no comprehension of how and why the music works; while many contemporary musicians may have "chops" but lack in their ability to read and/or have proper technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Recorder Oboe English Horn

I firmly believe that everyone can learn to play music well. Natural talent exists but if you have the passion and desire then you can achieve anything! I plan the lessons around the individual student and their needs and focus on keeping the students eager and positive by emphasizing strengths and finding solutions for improving areas of difficulty. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For the beginning student, I typically suggest a collection of specific studies from an array of sources, some designed simply for technique and others for the development of musical understanding. Naturally, these depend on the individual and their needs. I am most dedicated to facilitating the needs of each individual student and providing them the ability to express their musical ideas clearly and easily. For more advanced students, I will focus on honing technical proficiency and challenging them with new repertoire, preparing them for new musical opportunities, such as youth orchestras, chamber music, recitals, and competitions to further their growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically utilize Alfred's Basic Lesson Books to introduce basic theory and concepts. These books incorporate fill-in-the-blank and performance-based assessments to ensure understanding. I also create customized flashcards, worksheets, and games to provide fun and interactive opportunities for individualized learning. As students advance, I assign scales and Hanon finger exercises to strengthen finger strength and skill. While I advocate learning classics from composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, I also encourage students to pick popular music that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I began teaching private students while in college through a music store in Ellicott City, MD. I taught students from age 6 to 15. I had up to 15 students on varied occasions. I maintained students on and off throughout my 7 years of music teaching in public schools following graduating from college, but lost many students when I relocated from Baltimore to Lancaster. I am hoping to network and develop a studio of students again. Read More