About
I love teaching and providing a supportive and creative environment where my students have fun learning to make music. I work with students at their own pace to make their musical experience both enjoyable and educational. My students look forward to their lessons, and our time together each week passes by quickly!
I play and teach classical music and like finding music students are interested in playing. I enjoy working with young students who are beginners, and also with teens or adults who are “coming back” to piano, or learning for the first time. Students also learn to play popular music by learning chords and how to play "by ear".
Along with piano, I also teach voice for all musical styles -- pop, jazz, rock, blues, country, R&B, musical theater, choral, and classical.
I’ve worked with singers, from age 5 through 80, including teens and adults who love to sing country-pop-rock, who sing in choirs, or with bands; I coach teen and adult actors singing in high school productions and community theater (opera or musicals); I help choral singers with sight reading, and teach all singers how to use and think of their body as their instrument. Basic music training in reading notes, rhythm, pitch and ear training, familiarity with the piano/keyboard, are part of the vocal lesson.
Students have the opportunity to perform at recitals throughout the year; or to record at a professional recording studio, which shares the same facility where I have my teaching studio.
I sing professionally, have a degree from West Chester University (West Chester, PA) with a concentration in piano pedagogy, and I take continuing education courses to stay current with the latest in piano teaching methods. I'm certified as a Voiceworks TM Associate for the Total Singer Method TM, and keep current in my own vocal studies and training.
In addition to teaching voice and piano, I teach and facilitate regional songwriting workshops as part of an international songwriting association based in Nashville.
I love teaching and providing a supportive environment where students feel relaxed and encouraged to learn at their own pace. It's very personally satisfying to see my students succeed and reach their goals, and I'm committed to helping them have a positive experience with learning music.
Reviews
Becky S.
Debra L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We take some time to get acquainted so the student feels comfortable.
For younger piano students (kids), we start off with excercises that build confidence immediately. If a student has had previous lessons, we'll do some review and start in at the level student plays comfortably. We'll start right in with learning musical pieces for practice at home.
For singing, we'll start right off with exercises, and see what the student's vocal range is. We do a little singing,and decide on songs that the student can work on at lessons and for practice at home. If there's something in particular we need to work on, we hone in and learn exercises that will help with vocal challenges. Normally, students find immediate results for improving their singing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching full time since 1996 -- 20 years experience! I was a music major at West Chester University in West Chester, PA (known for it's amazing music program!) and have kept current since college with my own studies as both a pianist, vocalist, and teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I remain competitive with other teachers/schools in the area.
How did you get started teaching?
Since my grade school days, wanted to be a musician and a teacher. I studied music in college, and have had several wonderful mentors who guided and encouraged me as a teacher and musician. I worked for music schools before starting my own private music studio in 2001.
What types of students have you worked with?
Piano and vocal students of ALL ages -- from 5 through 75 and all ages in between. I've even coached professional singers in the Total Singer Method, which is a very unique system for learning how to sing.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy my student recitals. Students look forward to preparing and performing at the recital events, and have become a "tradition" among families with school age students. This year, I'll be starting an adult (and teen) vocal Muscial Salon for adults who wish to perform in a smaller venue.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you are comfortable with the teacher. If you have the opportunity to speak with a teacher before the first lesson, definitely do so.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What motivates me to learn music? What is my goal? Will I have time to practice and make the commitment necessary to meet my goal? Am I willing to be patient with myself in the beginning stages of my study and if my initial expectations aren't met as quickly as I thought?