Piano with Foster L.

I am a passionate and experienced music educator with over 10 years of teaching experience & over 20 years performing, a degree in classical music theory and an extensive knowledge of rock, pop, and jazz music. My teaching style is always catered to the student. With my love of theory & history, I strive for a practical understanding of what makes a song work and its cultural context. As a song-writer & composer, I also encourage creative exploration and independence. And as an active performing artist, I know that performance is a powerful motivator, so I organize biannual recitals for my students. But most importantly - I do not believe in boring lessons! Music education should always be interesting, engaging, and relevant. I began my classical training at 7; at 16, I joined the Paul Green School of Rock Music, where I had the opportunity to tour across the country, play at festivals like Lollapalooza, and perform with guests like Peter Frampton, Bernie Worrell (of Parliament), and Gail Ann Dorsey (bassist for David Bowie & Gwen Stefani). After I graduated, the school gave me my first teaching position. I studied at Drexel University for 2 years in their Music Industry program, where I learned about recording and sound engineering. I then transferred to Temple University, where I received a bachelor's degree in Music Theory & Piano. Outside of teaching, I am an active member of Philadelphia's performing arts scene as a pianist, DJ, cabaret performer, and composer. I produce 2 recurring live-music cabarets, run tech for 5 monthly burlesque & drag shows, and compose & record original music and film scores. All of these experiences contribute to my unique perspective as an artist and teacher. Recommendations from current students available upon request. *** Lesson Details *** I am a very flexible and patient teacher, and I like to cater my curriculum to each student's goals and taste in music. But regardless of age and skill level, creativity and fun are always my priority! Understanding a student's personal musical taste is essential to keeping them engaged. Any song, be it classical or top 40, is an opportunity to learn performance technique, theory, and history, so I always keep an open ear to students' interests. I also love using improvisation as a tool to explore musicality, build confidence and develop self-expression without feeling like work. *** Studio Equipment *** Living room with piano, keyboards, synthesizers, and various recording equipment *** Travel Equipment *** The student must have a keyboard or piano *** Specialties *** I specialize in classical, rock, pop, and jazz piano, song writing, improvisation, music theory and history.