Teaching

Teaching is an important part of my life. I have been lucky to have thoughtful instructors and enjoy passing on the things that I have learned. I maintain a small studio of dedicated private students ranging in age from elementary school to high school. My college students from Dickinson and Messiah Colleges have gone on to prominent graduate schools such as the University of North Texas, Penn State University and the University of Georgia, with several winning school concerto competitions; my high school students consistently do well in district, regional and state (PMEA) festivals and have even been selected for the All-Eastern festival.

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering musical expression in my students. I strive to develop students with something to say and the means with which to communicate it.  I approach each student as the unique individual they are and work on their personal deficiencies by assigning weekly exercises and sections of etudes as well as long-term goals to be tackled through the course of the year. Overall, I strive to teach easy, fluid playing over the entire range of the instrument and in every style (“effortless mastery”) with relaxed air being the guiding principle. I also feel the fundamentals of “playing in time, in tune and with a great sound” cannot be over emphasized but that they are always secondary to musical communication.

If you are interested in lessons please contact me after reviewing my lesson policy.

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