Orchestral Strings Instruction
About
I provide innovative ways for approaching the suite of orchestral stringed instruments with a healthy way of playing. I strive to develop my students' ability to critically think about their technique and musicality and consistently find ways to challenge them in these areas. My teaching method is based on adapting to the student's learning style and providing concrete, simple solutions to complex problems.
Music is my greatest passion and there is nothing like being able to share that with my students and fellow collaborators. Music and the arts, innovation and creation, are the most essential elements of our humanity and I want to devote my life's work to promoting the development of my students' artistic expression.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My first step is to ask the student what their goal is in taking lessons, what they want to accomplish, and what skill level they want to achieve. From there we'll go through some diagnostics to see where they are at. At this point my process becomes more adaptive depending on how the student best receives and responds to information and critiquing. I focus heavily on developing the student's critical thinking ability to assess their playing and create strategies from there to improve. One of the biggest pillars of my method is teaching how to practice effectively - breaking down the complex and abstract of playing and providing simple, concrete solutions. We celebrate successes and use difficulties to learn and improve.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing the cello for fifteen years and received my Bachelor of Music Degree from Gettysburg College. I was able to apply my teaching concepts to the rest of the orchestral stringed instruments to establish a firm technical foundation. I have been active in my music community with teaching, writing, and performing for twelve of those fifteen years with local professional groups such as the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and Allegro Chamber Orchestra. I also have had the privilege of participating in a number of collegiate orchestras throughout the south central PA area.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system is as follows -
Single Lesson Pricing
$30 / 30 minutes
$40 / 45 minutes
$50 / 1 hour
Package Lesson Pricing
5 lessons (any duration) - 15% discount
10 lessons (any duration) - 20% discount
There will be a one time $10 travel fee per package if student requests that I travel to them.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages, 6 to 65, and with all skill levels. The majority of my students have been beginners or in the early intermediate level.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should seriously consider how far they want to go with their respective instrument and how much of a time commitment they want to put in to learning and honing their skill before making any monetary investment.