Coatesville Music Lessons

s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at West Chester University.

I served on the faculty of Suburban Music School for 17 years where I taught voice, piano and recorder lessons. I also directed the Children’s Choir and the Women’s Choir. I was formerly on the faculty of Delaware County Community College where I taught courses in the Music Department; and of Temple Music Prep where I instituted, developed and maintained a vocal program at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.

In addition to teaching I was employed for eleven years as a chorister at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, DE where I have had the opportunity to sing for such notable conductors as John Rutter, Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, and James O’Donnell. Previous choral work has included singing for Dr. Ifor Jones and for Michael Korn. I perform in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Cape May, NJ and with a Celtic group called Celtic Women and Friends.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice Lessons

When you study voice with me, you will start with the basics - posture, breathing and tone production. If you have studied before, we will review these areas and brush up on anything that needs work. The next step is to learn some vocal exercises to warm up and develop your voice. When the exercises are going well, we will begin to work on songs. You will need to learn some classical songs because they help to develop your voice, but we will also work on the kind of music you like best. In addition to songs, we will work on solfege (do, re, mi, etc.) which helps to train your ear and to improve your sightreading ability. If you don't know how to read music I will teach you that. If you read music but have some gaps in your knowledge, we will fill those in.

I teach what is called bel canto (beautiful singing). It is a healthy vocal technique that will help you avoid vocal problems. When you learn to sing with this technique, you can sing any style of music you want. After a few months of study, you should be able to tell that your voice is growing stronger, that you have better breath control, and that your range is increasing.

Although I have high expectations of my students, I am relaxed and friendly. If you love to laugh, we will enjoy that together!

Piano Lessons

When you study piano with me you will enjoy playing a variety of songs from your lesson book. As you advance, we may add a repertoire book which increases the number and variety of songs you play. There are many excellent piano methods. I use different methods for different students, depending on their needs.

Lessons will include posture and proper hand position, warm-ups, songs and music theory. Music theory is the study of notation and how music is put together. You will have a workbook with exercises for this study. If there is a particular style of music you would like to play, we will look for music at your level to add to your lesson. After a few months of study, you should know how to read basic notation and be able to play a number of songs. You will also have increased your knowledge of musical notation and harmony.

I expect my students to practice in preparation for their lesson every week. I am relaxed and friendly, so that should help to put you at your ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, music stand, stereo equip, seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching the bel canto style singing. With this technique, a person can sing any style of music she or he chooses.

atmosphere, with praise for incremental progress and encouragement for areas of improvement. Students use the Alfred series and other supplements, graded to the student's age, ability and interests.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home- studio in large living room space seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I teach a well-rounded approach, combining technique, theory and songs from various musical styles in a graded, graduated progression. Then I supplement with additional music according to the interests and growing ability of the student.

d freelance and record with many others...everyone from former members of Bon Jovi, to Marvin Hamlisch, and some completely unexpected names like Joe Frazier And The Knockouts. Yes, I know, that's pretty amusing, and Joe couldn't sing...but I wasn't going to tell him!

I have an extensive collection of books and videos that I draw from for my students, and to personally improve at my craft. This is not a sideline, or part-time job for me...this is my life, and my career!

*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons I strive to make the maximum progress possible, while also having as much fun as possible. This is accomplished by imparting the most valuable, useful, and beneficial information in a fun and relaxed, low pressure environment, always with the students goals and priorities first and foremost. I also like to keep the student challenged at their current ability level.

For beginning students I stress basic fundamentals, just as you would in sports. It makes progress come at a much faster clip and avoids making time consuming corrections later. The longer you play with bad habits, the harder they are to break.

For more advanced students, I assess their current abilities, determine if any problems need to be addressed, and with their goals in mind, come up with the proper plan of action.

Having been self taught till entering college I understand all ends of the spectrum. In my career I have come across three separate groups of musicians:

1) Those who have good ears, but can't read.
2) Those who read well, but can't play without music in front of them.
3) Those with great ears who also read well.

Number 3 is obviously the best of all possible worlds and what I strive to achieve with all my students. Being accomplished in both areas enables them to be prepared for anything they will come across, and gives them a distinct advantage over their peers.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a state of the art drum studio, beyond anything else I have ever seen, with everything from a top of the line V-Drum kit (electronic drums) and several acoustic sets that I rotate occasionally to keep interest level high. As opposed to many stores, schools and homes...there are no sax players in the next studio, no guitars blaring, no kids running around, no distractions! We only hear what we want to hear! It's so much easier to maintain focus on the task at hand.

One of the pluses of the electronic set is when a student is playing along with music, we can just plug an iPod, Kindle, whatever, into the system, dial in the perfect matching volume between music and drums...and not go deaf. No muss, no fuss, no headphones needed, unless the student wants them...I have plenty.

I am in my own building, so unlike many of the shoebox sized studios i have worked in, I have a lot of space (17'x22'), a waiting area for parents, and since it's one open area, if parents come in the building they are sitting in on the lesson. There is ample parking and I am conveniently located near a major intersection, and right next to a major shopping center (Wal-Mart, Staples. Weiss Supermarket, Pep Boys, etc.). In fact many parents go shopping while their children are taking their lessons. Some even walk! I'm that close.

I am also a Certified Plus drum dealer, so if students need some equipment, we can usually handle that too.

*** Specialties ***
I adapt my style to each student and usually hand write everything for quite awhile. There's a lot to cover and it enables me to break from standard procedure when beneficial. I play and teach all styles and genres, so I feel comfortable with pretty much everything.
I use numerous books for many different purposes well beyond the scope of what's listed below.

oice and piano students ages 7-60. All of my students had varying styles, but I was able to help them build a foundation of technique that would allow them to sing with a free and healthy tone in any style.I believe we all have the ability to create music and I can help you discover it!

*** Lesson Details ***
My goal in voice lessons is first and foremost to establish a solid vocal technique.  My philosophy is "singing is simple, but not easy!"  We will focus mostly on two things: breath and space for singing.  This method of teaching is known as "bel canto".  It helps build a strong foundation that then allows you to sing almost any style!  Because everyone is different, we will tailor a set of exercises to fit your needs and will help you build that strong foundation!  Once these principles begin to settle in, we will work on music.  I have a huge library of songs to chose from, but I highly encourage you to bring in your favorite songs. Remember, everyone is different and progresses at different rates, but don't be discouraged! This is not a race, but a life skill that you will continue to master!

In piano, I am classically trained.  Through a series of music books, we will work on music theory, finger dexterity, music history, ear training, eye/hand coordination, and pure enjoyment of making music. Again, everyone is different, but with some outside commitment, you will improve! Classical piano training is a great foundation for all other styles, such as jazz, pop, singer songwriter, country, etc. Piano also helps with in other aspects of your life such as memory, math, history, reading, etc.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a full size keyboard and music stand.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Please provide a piano, music books, music stand (if needed), and a lesson book for notes.

*** Specialties ***
I am a classically trained baritone specializing in bel canto. I have found this technique to be a great foundation for all styles of singing, from opera to pop. I am also classically trained at the piano. I focus on natural hand positions, note identification, music theory, and ear training. And I have fun doing it!

rward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!