Brookhaven Music Lessons

fingers to do what you need them to do - so you will have finger exercises and scales to practice to enable to play pieces/songs you like. In order to accomplish all this we will use a piano method designed to teach you these things little by little so you won't get overwhelmed. One step at a time towards your goal - self enjoyment, being the life of the party, accompany the chorus, play the songs you hear on the radio or perhaps even become a renowned pianist on stage or in the theater. Whatever your goal you will need to practice and you must have a piano or at least a keyboard. The method we use will depend on the student's age, reading level, past experience with piano or other instruments and I will take into consideration your goals. If you are interested in popular music there will be a point (when you are ready) when you will be able to add this type of music to the lesson music. How quickly you grow musically depends greatly on the quality of your practice time - thus you will determine your rate of progress.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I like to purchase new materials myself for the student based on their needs at the time. They need a decent notebook for listing practice items. I usually have the method book, with note-speller for beginners, theory for more advanced, and additional pieces (non-method) as appropriate. Hanon is a staple. I use various other materials to remedy finger technique and rhythm issues as learned from my teachers and those devised by myself.

*** Specialties ***
I prefer to use a variety of materials. At the first lesson I assess reading ability, interest, physical ability and attention span to determine what materials are appropriate for the student. All students will learn scales, finger exercises, pieces and theory. I have used Thompson, Schaum, Pace, Fletcher and Alfred in my teaching - and frequently a combination there-of.

work with, and learn from a lot of different musicians. (The Recording Academy is the organization that created the most prestigious
award in music, the Grammy). I am the band leader at my church Montco Bible Fellowship. I have experience as an audio tech in the studio and for a live stage, and have consulted for organizations looking to setup a sound system/studio. I enjoy recording my own music in my home studio, and learning to play new instruments. I hope to pass my love for music to the next generation!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very laid back instructor... as you will find out! I understand that not everyone learns at the same rate; however, I am a perfectionist and don't allow students to advance until they have learned a particular skill. I would rather a student take forever to learn a song, and practice it with good technique, than be able to play it right away with poor form and posture! I reinforce the value of working toward goals and celebrate with students when they reach them.  I understand that every student has different interests and reasons for wanting to learn an instrument... I try to focus on the areas that are of interest to the student, because a student who is enjoying themself will excel.  This does not mean that the subjects and skills that are not of interest will not be taught, because I also believe in being a well-rounded musician. I teach both jazz (theory/improvisation) and classical (composed) music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is currently not optimal for teaching... I hope to change this soon!!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson books and other learning materials, but expect to be reimbursed. I expect the student to have their own instrument/equipment. Piano students are required to have a piano or a keyboard with 88 weighted keys (hammer-action), a piano bench and a pedal. Guitar/bass students must have an acoustic/electric guitar/bass with a strap or footstool, pick, and cable and amplifier if applicable! Digital audio students must have their own computer, Digital Audio workstation (software), digital audio interface, speakers/headphones and midi controller. ALL STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE A NOTEBOOK (college rule or staff)!!

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical and jazz piano! I am more than proficient at most production software including: reason, fl studio, ableton live... and other editing software such as sony sound forge, audacity, etc...

he Boston and Philadelphia area.
In 2011, I successfully obtained my master's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The master's program was an intense submersion in music performance that shaped me into the musician that I am today. I was lucky to study with Don Glanden, Mike Kennedy, and Kevin Hanson.
I am also well versed in computer recording software and DAWs. I teach students how to use software programs such as Logic and Reason as well as notation software like Sibelius and Finale. With some basic training in these programs, I can teach a student how to effectively record and produce professional quality recordings so that a student can write, record, and produce their own music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Because I've studied with some legendary teachers who have taught some legendary students (like John Mayer), I'm able to pass on to my students the same knowledge that these incredible teachers passed on to me. I guarantee that I will be unlike any guitar teacher that you've had before. Along with instrumental training, I offer extensive lessons in music theory and ear training. My family is full of educators and I've experienced the teacher-student relationship from a young age. I am fully committed to developing lesson plans based on the route that a student wants to take, whether it's just learning the basics and playing along to your favorite songs or engaging in serious study and preparing for college auditions. I am available to teach at any location within the Philadelphia area.

*** Stylistic Focus ***
I specialize in jazz and blues. At Berklee, I was able to take instrumental labs that spent an entire semester focusing on the playing style of certain guitarists. I've taken the Wes Montgomery lab, the Pat Martino lab, the Jimi Hendrix lab, the John Scofield lab, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan lab.

er Center. Last summer, she understudied Sybil Vane in Loehmann’s The Picture of Dorian Grey. In 2013, she performed the role of Suor Osmina in their production of Suor Angelica, and covered the roles of Fortuna and Venere in their production of L’coronazione di Poppea. She also portrayed Pamina, La Contessa, Ilia, Anne Truelove and Laurie Moss in their various scenes programs.

Rachel completed her Bachelor’s of Music at Mannes College in 2012. There, she performed in their Opera Scenes Workshop and their Rise of Modernism Festival, singing Canciones populares Españolas by Manuel de Falla.

tails!

een running a private studio.