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 Plum Senior High School Band

Private Music Lessons

Local Teachers

Why Private Lessons?


Woodwinds - Clarinet, Saxophones, Oboe, Flute, etc.
 · Amanda Sage - Johnstonbaugh’s Music; 724-519-2114
 · Erin Marion (oboe) - marione@pbsd.k12.pa.us
 · Nolan Petote (clarinet) - petoten@gmail.com; 412-427-1294
 · Rachel Cohen (clarinet) - rachael.stutzman@gmail.com; 609-240-5558
 · Jim Hoeltje (saxophone) - jhoeltje@gmail.com; 412-297-1318
 
Brass - Trumpet, French Horn
 · Chris Snyder (trumpet) - csnyder@dlsd.k12.pa.us; 412-973-9164
 · Matt Pienkowski (trumpet) - Johnstonbaugh’s Music; 724-519-2114
 · Michael Visnick (trumpet) - Johnstonbaugh’s Music; 724-519-2114
 · Sherry Traugh (french horn) - satraugh@gmail.com; 412-780-2833
 · Michael Buckstein (trumpet/french horn)- michaelbucksteinmusic@gmail.com
 
Low Brass - Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, (Trumpet)
 · Ross Cohen (baritone) - rcohen2482@gmail.com; 301-922-1235
 · Dan Traugh (trombone) - dtraugh@me.com; 412-780-2826
 · Bob Riddle (trombone) - bobriddlemusic@yahoo.com; 412-953-9727

Percussion
 · Rob Reams - rreams@comcast.net; 570-490-8339
 · Brandon Miller - Johnstonbaugh’s Music; 724-519-2114
 · Stephen Flory - steve.flory@gmail.com; www.monroevillemusiclessons.com

​For more information and full bio's on teachers at Johnstonbaugh's Music, check out Johnstonbaugh's music lesson web site.
Why Private Lessons? by Amanda Proctor - Click for the full article.
​  See highlights below:

.... Learning to play a musical instrument can be more of a daunting task than a child (or parent) may expect. Fingers, tongue, breathing, posture, note reading, and counting all come into play with this foreign object put into a child’s hands! I discuss five reasons why it’s a benefit to take private lessons...

1. Working with a private teacher can help a student keep up with peers in the group setting. Every child learns at a different pace.... 
​
2. Private lessons help to minimize frustration. I believe the less frustration the better when it comes to learning; who doesn’t?...

3. Private lessons set up the child for success. With a private instructor, a child learns more quickly the fundamentals of playing. A solid foundation is built, and the child can keep learning, playing and succeeding. Succeeding is fun! .....

4. The child learns how to practice. A young musician needs to learn HOW to practice.... 

5. It is easier to stay motivated with the help of a private instructor. I find this benefit most applicable to students who have been performing more than a few years. Once out of the beginner stage of playing, a music student may not know what to do next...... A private instructor can maximize a young musician’s opportunity for musical success and fun. I look forward to working with some of your young musicians!

Private Lesson FAQ's

I'm interested in lessons for my child (or me!).  What do I do first?
First, take a look at the provided list of instructors.  Many teachers are proficient on more than one instrument; on the above list I have put their primary instrument in parenthesis to make it easy for you to choose an instructor.  If you would like a recommendation based on the personality or level of your child, ask Mrs. Marion or Mrs. Loy -- we would be happy to recommend a private teacher!

What kind of commitment am I making in taking private lessons? Our schedules are so busy!
Usually, you choose a time that works well for you each week and attend a lesson once a week.  If time or money is a concern of yours, you may consider working with your instructor on having a lesson every two weeks, though this is not typical.

What does it cost?
Every teacher is different, but don't be afraid to inquire when you make the first call to your teacher.  Typical rates are around $20 for a half hour lesson.  

Where do we go for the lessons?
Some of these professional musicians teach out of their home, some at music stores like Johnstonbaugh's in Plum, or Monroeville Music Center, for example.  All of the people on this list are local to our area, and teach in Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville, etc.

My son/daughter had lessons before and it didn't work out...
I always recommend private lessons for a lot of reasons (see above!).  I really believe that it's important for students to connect with their private lesson teachers.  If it didn't "work out" before, that doesn't mean it's a bad idea to try again.  You may like to try another teacher, a different time of the day/week, etc.  Also, students progress and mature!  And don't forget... just going to lessons isn't quite enough.  Encourage your child to put the time in at home to get the most out of their lessons.  Anything worth doing is worth doing well -- and the more you INVEST into this art they're committed to, the more they will GET OUT of it!  

We wish you all the best in bettering this musical journey!  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Marion or Mrs. Loy with any questions of if we can help guide you through this exciting time!!

Contact Us

Mrs. Bethany Loy
Band Director
Plum Senior High School
A.E. O'Block Jr. High School
loyb@pbsd.net
Mrs. Erin Marion
Band Director
Elementary School Band
marione@pbsd.net

Plum Senior High School

900 Elicker Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
(412) 795-4880
www.pbsd.net