Parents may often hear the term "individualized" lessons but it's not always clear what that looks like in practice. When lessons are individualized, the strengths and needs of the student are put into consideration in all aspects of the lesson, not just what books are being used or what song is assigned. This can show up in a number of ways. Lesson structure and pacing Some students thrive with a predictable routine, while others need more flexibility. An individualized less

Before starting formal music lessons, many parents wonder how to introduce young children to music in a fun, pressure-free way. Whether you already have an instrument at home, or are still deciding when to begin lessons, there are simple ways to build musical skills through play. Children under 6 don’t need formal lessons or special equipment to develop rhythm, listening skills, and musical confidence. Below are five easy music games you can play at home—even with little or n

When a new student begins piano lessons, I’m often asked some version of the question: “How long should they be practicing?” Usually, the concern is that if a child doesn’t practice the “right” amount, they won’t make progress. Another common worry is that if practice is pushed too hard, it can start to feel like a chore—something kids resist rather than enjoy. So where’s the happy balance? Here are three simple rules of thumb I recommend. Start with small expectations For yo

In the fall of 2024, Autism Society of Northwestern PA held a group called Lunch & Lyrics for its adult members. They shared a meal...

Last time we checked in with Georgia was in 2022, when she had been playing less than a year (see the video here ). Here's an update!...

Noah just graduated high school and is off to college! Congrats, Noah! Excited for your next chapter, thanks for sharing this with us!

By sharing food & making music together, we hope to help everyone connect better and feel good about themselves!  Group starts Wednesday,...

Everyone, meet Jaiden! Jaiden always has a smile on when he's doing music! Jaiden is blind, autistic and mostly nonverbal, but he loves...

The last time we checked in with Hudson was in 2021 when he played "So Far Away" with his brother and sister as a trio of piano, guitar...

Lucky us to hear Ailie (aka Spidergirl) play Star Wars! She turned four last month. Nice playing, Ailie! 😊

Ella Mae began piano in September. Way to go, Ella!

Great job, Lexi!

A question I get a lot when I have students interested in both guitar and piano is, "Which instrument should they learn first?" In my...

One of the things I love most about teaching music lessons is that not only does it have the potential to create a lifetime-long passion,...

In July 2021, I shared this video of two siblings that are my virtual students, playing the song "Let It Be" as a duet on guitar and...

Ellie plays us some guitar improvisation on the pentatonic scale with Ms. Stephanie! Improvisation means you are making up the music as...

Last May, Savannah played "We Don't Talk About Bruno" for us in a video (here). Now here is her most recent piece, "Fi's Theme" from...

Georgia gives us a sample of some jazzy blues scale sounds in this improvisation!

Also featured is Savannah's mochi collection!