McKeesport, PA Music Performance Lessons

e come in contact and learned from a vast amount of different musicians and professionals. A classically-trained bass-baritone with roots in R&B, Soul, Rock, Pop, and Jazz, I have aspirations to help each and every student realize their full musical potential.

If you're looking for a teacher who will motivate and inspire you not only to learn your instrument of choice, but also how to perform it (whether on the big stage or in your living room for the family) and record it as well, I'm the perfect teacher for you. Learning to sing, play, and act beautifully doesn't have to be difficult -- we'll work on finding your voice or your style, all while having fun along the way!

I teach in-studio, in-home, and online lessons, so we can be flexible with the lesson type and schedule!

This is a perfect chance for you or your child who can't stop singing around the house or has dreams of shredding on the guitar or twinkling on the ivories to learn the fundamentals of music, start something new that keeps them or you focused, and have fun while doing it!

Feel free to contact me at show contact info for any questions and check out my student reviews and qualifications.

I look forward to meeting you and accompanying you or your child on your musical journey!!

ere in Pittsburgh premiering works by local composers and created the role of Pamela in the premiere of TOOWHOPERA by composer Sorrel Hays in Rome, GA. On the concert stage, I have recently appeared with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Bach Choir and CreateHere'™s Hops and Opera.

Highlights of my performances include Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflote with West Bay Opera, Stockton Opera, Opera San Jose and Pocket Opera, Despina in Cosi fan tutte with Mission City Opera, Blonde in Abduction from the Seraglio and Yvette in La Rondine with Pocket Opera, Cunegonde in Candide with Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Other roles include Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Abigail in The Crucible, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Madame Herz in The Impresario, Lucy in Threepenny Opera, Monica in The Medium, and Pamina in The Magic Flute.

I was a featured performer in a series of concerts in Europe, South America, and Australia aboard Cunard'™s Vistafjord and Royal Viking Sun.

I was named a world finalist in the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition, a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, a semi-finalist in the Jenny Lind Competition and a regional winner in the MacAllister Competition.

*** Lesson Details ***
Whether it is preparing for a competition, an audition or a role for the school play, I enjoy helping students of all ages reach their goals. I structure the curriculum to the individual needs of my students, focusing on healthy vocal technique, musicianship, stage presence, and joy in music.

During your first lesson, you will sing various vocalises to determine how you negotiate the changes in registration, what your vocal range is, and what you have to work on to improve your vocal quality, stamina, and flexibility.

If you do not see an available time, please call Takelessons. I sometimes have availability that is not visible on my calendar.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: baby grand, couch, chair, bench, small table, adjoining dining room where parents can wait.

joy teaching and want to help you explore your hidden talents and reach your fullest potential. With that in mind, the learning environment in my studio is relaxed and fun. I never condescend or put pressure on a student who makes mistakes. I encourage students to try new techniques and make mistakes along the way. I also work very closely with my students to achieve their own personal goals. I know that there are many different types of learners who all have different aspirations and I feel it is my job to ensure that my students are satisfied with their progress. I understand that someone hoping to attend a conservatory will have different needs than a small child. I promise to give nothing less than the highest quality teaching in an environment conducive to learning.

For piano students, I will spend much time on proper technique and making sure the student does not compromise the wrist, fingers, arms, or back which may create discomfort later. In the first 3-6 months a student can expect to learn technique, repertoire, and basic musicianship skills such as sight reading and transposition.

Composition/ Songwriting students will be coached according to what their specific goals and interests are. I incorporate the technical aspects of writing music along with music business which will help students get their music played and recorded.

Music theory students will practice skills such as four part writing, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, modulation, roman numeral analysis, sight singing, and score analysis.

I do encourage the use of specific curricula but I am always willing to explore something new if you have a preference or have found success with something else. I hope that music will give my students lifelong enjoyment and I encourage you to come make music with me.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Aeolian Baby Grand Piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect piano students to have their own piano but beginning students can start out on a keyboard if need be. Also, students are responsible for purchasing all books and materials for lessons.

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25
lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.I specialize in classical piano in all eras from baroque through twenty-first century music. I also am trained in various compositional styles including baroque through twentieth century harmony as well as jazz, pop, and songwriting.

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Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio along.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have the "Young Musicians Showcase" every few months where individual students and band classes have a chance to perform and celebrate their accomplishments with friends and family.
Adult students occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Multiple Music Stands

*P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, and a Banjo

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

gree in flute performance from Duquesne University, where she studied under Damian Bursill-Hall of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

e aesthetic in the space where music and drama intersect.

I utilize training techniques from these two interrelated worlds as well as the world of speech communication with all of my students resulting in a more dynamic and solid performance.

I provide a safe, professional environment in which to learn. My current students range in age from 10 to 96 years old. I tailor my instruction to your individual needs and learning style.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, Video Camera, Monitor, Sound System, Audio Recording Capability, Microphones, Music Stands, Mirror.

On street parking available in historic block of the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students provide Piano or Keyboard, CD player and a mirror. I will provide music, staff paper for notes and practice exercises as well as recording equipment for feedback purposes.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Music Theatre, German Lied, American and Italian Art Song, French Melodie.

Acting-Stanislavski Method, Bertolt Brecht's Epic Theatre, Audition and Monologue Coaching, TV/Film Acting.

Accent Reduction

in numerous pit orchestras for musicals.
I have been in choirs and soloing since I can remember. I have performed and soloed in choirs such as the Yuba-Sutter Oratorio Society, CSUS Chamber Choir, the CSUS Women's Choir and more. I have toured to Victoria, Montreal, Ottowa, Oregon and Washington. I have also been in opera productions such as The Magic Flute, Peleas and Melisande and Die Fledermaus (The Bat) with CSUS Opera. I am a recent recipient of the Saturday Club Scholarship, a prestigious award, and have won many competitions (some repeatedly) both vocally and with violin, such as the Tri-County Competition, Young Artist Competitions, and the California Soloist and Ensemble Competitions. Additionally, I have performed musical theater repertoire and have performed as lead in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and Into the Woods. I have also soloed repeatedly with the Yuba College jazz band and at churches all around.
I have earned my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU Sacramento. I have my Associates Degrees in both Music and Early Childhood Education from Yuba College. Additionally, I have obtained my certificate of completion of training from Music Together, an organization which trains teachers to teach Basic Music Competence (both in tonality and meter), and am currently teaching this curriculum.
I have been teaching music privately for over ten years to all ages, genders and abilities. Additionally, I have taught ages 0-5 years in a preschool setting for 7 years and am extremely familiar with developmentally appropriate practices for both preschool and school age, as I am a site supervisor at a child development center with a preschool and after school program. I have had many adult students as well and encourage adults to enrich their lives with music at any age! Additionally, I have experience teaching parent child classes and am familiar with how to teach to the particular needs of each family and student.
I'm extremely excited and looking forward to growing as a professional, both teaching and performing, in both the areas of violin and voice and to be instrumental in your musical growth too; I can't wait to share my passion with you and to ignite your passion for music too!

*** Lesson Details ***
I have been teaching since 2002 and have loved every minute of it! I teach all ages. I tailor my style of teaching to each student's goals and to what works for you. If you want to learn Taylor Swift music, I won't be giving you arias. On the other hand, if you wish to study classically, I have repertoire appropriate for you. I teach fiddle, classical, orchestral, 20th century and more for violin students and have experience with jazz, classical, musical theater, pop, religious, spiritual, choral, 20th century and more vocally.
For violin students, I use the Suzuki method as a pushing off point, a tried and true method used in many countries across the world, though I have other repertoire including fiddle, orchestra, small ensemble, solo, concertos, Christmas, and more. For vocalist, I start with the book, Adventures in Singing. I also have warm ups and exercises to keep you vocally healthy. I will teach you anything you want to learn! I also teach how to read music, theory and harmony, depending on your interest and tailored to your current skill level.
I am encouraging and knowledgeable. I will meet you at your current level, be that beginner, intermediate, or advanced. My students can look forward to being encouraged and growing through their time with me. I don't have preset ideas about where you should be in 3-6 months, nor do I have a one size fits all teaching style. Instead, I will work with you individually so that you will become the best musician you can be, meet your goals, and increase your enjoyment and appreciation for music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in open space, upright piano, digital piano, music stands, metronome, violins available for rent, music, staff paper and computer

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to provide the instrument with all of it's accessories (ie shoulder rest, rosin, bow and case) along with the appropriate level Suzuki book. I have instruments available for rent. My voice students should bring their own music also. I have a piano in my studio along with music stands. Of course, every student must have a pencil and come ready to have fun learning! :)

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki, solfege, art songs and arias, reading music, fiddle, classical, healthy vocal technique and musical theater. I am very good at working with any age.

one. He decided to pursue a career in music by majoring in Jazz Studies and Performance at the University of California in Irvine where he has received his Bachelors degree in Music. He is currently performing at local jazz clubs, formal events and concerts. He would like to continue to inspire his students while nurturing his passion.

*** Lesson Details ***
Scale Mastery
Instrumental Technique
Note Reading/Sight-Reading
Ear Training (!)
Live Performance
Music in the real world

*** Studio Equipment ***
Wurlitzer upright piano
Roland D20
BX5a monitors
BX8a monitors
Shure, MXL mic's
M-Audio Profire 610
Yamaha YAS-82ZII

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide manuscript paper. Student provides instrument and have the option to purchase my music books.

*** Specialties ***
I train my students the classical approach for their beginning and intermediate stages, and specialize in Jazz and Pop music.

practice is crucial if you are looking to advance in your craft. In my experience, if you do not commit, or put in individual practice, you will not see results.

I always hope to open the eyes of my students and teach that confidence, determination and hard work can not only progress them in learning an instrument, but with most skills in life. Most importantly I never want my students to feel that music is a burden! I want them to always enjoy themselves when they are practicing or performing.

I don't provide instruments or the accessories that go along with it, so please be prepared to have those things before our first lesson. I may also provide a list of sheet music to order after our first lesson if I feel we do not have the necessary materials.

I only travel to homes in the city of San Francisco. If you live outside of the city in the Bay Area, you are more then welcome to find a time to come to my studio for lessons.

I'm also unable to teach beginners online (via Skype), as I believe it is vital to have an instructor in the room in order to make physical adjustments to maintain proper bow hold, posture, and left hand positioning. I'm more than happy to teach intermediate-advanced students online.

*IN REGARDS TO THE "ASK A QUESTION BUTTON"*
Please refrain from using this button unless you are truly interested in lessons with me, live in the city of San Francisco, and your question cannot be answered by my profile information. If you have questions about payment, please contact the TakeLessons support team as I do not deal with payment directly. This saves me a lot of time that I need for other aspects of my life, and shortens my daily to-do list. Thank you for your understanding.

My Performance Bio:

Sam N. is a native born South Dakotan who began his viola studies at the age of ten. He began taking private lessons at the age of fourteen with his teacher Carol Knowles. Eventually, he continued his studies in South Dakota with San Francisco Conservatory alumni Kate Weeks. Sam is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he studied with Jodi Levitz. He has participated in master classes with Helen Callus, Jay Liu, Jonathan Vinocour, Jerzy Kosmala, Hank Dutt, William Goodwin, Jackie Schwandt, and Kelly Hall-Tompkins. Mr. N. was the principle violist of the South Dakota All State Orchestra from 2007-2009, principle violist of the J. Laiten Weed Honors Orchestra from 2008-2010, and a member of the Black Hills Symphony from 2006-2010. In 2008, he was the 1st prize winner of the Lucy Palermo Weed String Competition, and won South Dakota's ASTA viola division. Two years later, he received the Henry Charles Smith Award in the SDSO's Young Musician's Competition, and also claimed 2nd prize in the BHSO's Young Artist Competition. In 2011-2012, he was also invited in to the Orlando Chamber Soloists Apprentice Program. Sam is also the former principle violist of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra which toured Germany in the summer of 2012. Featured performances took place in the concert halls at the Gastieg in Munich and Berlin Philharmonic and at the Rheingau Musik Festival. In 2013-2014 Sam was the principle violist of the San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra. He currently performs all around the Bay Area as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. His main mission is to revive interest in Western Art Music so that is once again accessible to the every day human.