Conowingo, MD Piano Lessons

ate notes on the piano in relation to middle C

2) Being able to recognize notes on the staffs and play them in the correct locations on the piano

3) Scale theory- understanding how scales are constructed and being able to play at least 2 octaves of all 12 major scales with both hands at the same time

4) Chord theory- understanding how triads and eventually seventh chords are constructed

5) Sight reading- there is a "trick" to this, if you will, a way to go about approaching tunes that I've found makes them easier to digest

6) And for those interested, we can give the lessons a more Jazz-oriented approach (lessons would then more heavily emphasize scale and chord theory, syncopation, and learning Jazz standards)

Remember, we are all students. Instrument teachers, instructors, coaches (whatever you want to call them) do not represent an end to the learning process, but rather a continuation of it. We're all trying to improve, develop our craft, build up our chops, practice new and uncomfortable things, and expand upon our abilities of what we can do. I have heard from Jazz pianists in their 80s say that they are still learning, still trying to get better. I think that's an important thing to keep in mind as you begin this journey. The journey never ends, it just extends and continues. You'll never run out of new things to learn. The only thing you can strive for is to be the most competent you can be at your instrument. Your playing ability at any point along this journey is only a mere reflection of who you are at this moment in time. So make this moment the most meaningful it can be. The journey begins here.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full Sized, Fully Weighted Electronic Keyboard in living room
Comfortable sitting area in waiting room for parents

*** Specialties ***
music, piano, jazz piano
Jazz

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

versity of Maryland at College Park.

During high school, Jonathan became fascinated by writing his own music, and now holds three degrees from preeminent schools in the field of music composition. His music has been performed by numerous ensembles and musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Eastman Musica Nova, and Knox-Galesburg Symphony. He was recently a featured guest composer at the Bowling Green State University New Music and Art Festival. His piece for stings, Nightscape, has been a particular audience favorite and performed by orchestras across the US. Jonathan also enjoys doing collaborative and multimedia projects with local choreographers, videographers, and musicians.

As a teacher, Jonathan is exceptionally patient, always engaged with his students’ progress, and actively listens to what his students want from their lessons and in helping them decide on the music they want to play. He takes a very practical and holistic approach to teaching keyboard, and always makes sure to discover the fun in learning. Jonathan strongly believes that all students, no matter where one is in life, possess the ability to achieve success in their lessons – and that his job is to guide them to unlock and discover their potential, to inspire their curiosity, and to help them advance their musical skills on their chosen instrument. Jonathan has also taught courses in theory, aural skills, sight-singing, and composition at the University of Maryland and Ball State University. He has studied music pedagogy, and actively pursues researching about new methods and developments on the learning process.

n Certificate of Merit competitions.
While teaching privately, I began working full time as a music teacher at the Help Group School for Autism where I also maintained a position as the charity event choir director...performing with various artists such as the rapper 'Common' and former Temptations singer 'Luis Price.'

While most of my training is in the Classical field, I have a strong passion for contemporary music as well. I believe that both piano and harp have the ability to reach many different audiences. As a teacher, I believe in giving my students a strong Classical foundation while using the technique and theory to delve into other styles of music such as jazz and contemporary pop/alternative. With this instruction, each student will be able to find what music inspires him/her while having the skills and technique to further the chosen style.

w England Conservatory.

As for my performance career, I have committed to always being a member of an orchestra, band or performing group of some sort because it's my passion and I endeavor to teach from personal experience. Over my last ten years in SoCal I performed with several groups including the Blackbird Music Project, Montage Orchestra and Symphony Irvine. My last year concluded my position as Principal viola of the Dana Point Symphony for four seasons. I was in two bands during my college years. With Galanis I was a part of several Western U.S. tours that took us through California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana. I have had the privilege of working with artists such as violinist Anne Marie Calhoun, Jimmy Hopper, Andy Grammer and Stevie Nicks. Some of the larger productions I have been a part of include appearances on TV shows like Melrose Place and the Bachelorette, and performances for former President G.W. Bush and at the Governor's Ball for the Academy Awards.

My performance career continues to grow here on the East Coast, where I have lived since August 2015. I have been a member of the McLean Orchestra and have been added to rosters for the Alexandria Symphony, Arlington Philharmonic and Washington Sinfonietta. I currently hold a Bachelor's of Music in Viola Performance from Azusa Pacific University where I studied with Robert Becker, founder of the American String Quartet with a BM and MM in Viola Performance from Juilliard. I am now enrolled as a graduate assistant for my Master's of Music in Viola Performance at the University of Delaware.

When I'm not making music I'm running far, studying nutrition, cooking or spending time with my beloved friends and family!

rs to all of us,
Lily

un and I always like to get the best potential out of my students! Looking forward to sharing my love of music and piano with you!