Best Music Classes For Kids In Pittsburgh
There are studio and music stores just waiting to engage students in the love of music, and kids will have the opportunity to play an instrument suited to their interest and skill level. Qualified teachers with heaps of experience and musical knowledge can play an important part in developing programs for new students or those kids with more experience. It's not to early too start an interest in learning to play an instrument or practicing in a voice class. Even though there are different age levels and experience, there is a teaching staff at the studios who will arrange lessons that are age appropriate and make it a fun and inspiring class for sequential learning and individual expression.
Lebanon Shops Plaza
300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
(412) 344-0535
www.kathysmusic.com
6091 Steubenville Pike
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
501 Valley Brook Road, Suite 104
McMurray, PA 15317
5738 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 521-8010
The best way to get to the Carnegie Music Hall is practice, practice and more practice, but venturing to Kathy's Music in four locations makes for an easier destination. Enrollment for the Kindermusik classes is arranged for the younger children in the 0 – 7 age bracket. There are six different programs to learn the fundamentals of music, which is led by Kathy Morrison, owner and Director of Kathy's Music, who has an experienced staff to sing, dance and play a variety of musical instruments. Taking the first step is a positive progression with Kathy's Music and the inspiring music, movement and communication skills are a prerequisites to learning, and when families become involved it makes for a perfect combination to have fun that can be carried over to the home for more practice.
McGowan Music Studios
977 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 904-2910
www.mcgowanmusicstudios.com
The musical selections emanating from the studios are representative of the unique talents of Michael McGowan Miller and the experienced teachers, who prepare the students in grades K–12 in piano, saxophone and voice programs. Mr. Miller has a wealth of musical experience that started at Baldwin-Wallace University and later a Masters degree at Carnegie Mellon University, and that started a vision for a studio. There are traditional lessons for piano students, but the group lessons revolve more around an artistic approach that involves ear training, social aspect and sharing with others in an ensemble setting. Students learn the fundamentals of music literacy and piano technique that enhances music throughout their lives. The learning process is unique, as there is a keyboard computer lab that helps the students imitate orchestral instruments. Each instructor has a separate space for saxophone and voice lessons and independence promotes a viable music setting.
Lisa Rae Music Studios, LLC
(412) 638-7598
www.lisaraemusic.com
Lisa Rae Vaughan is the owner and Executive Director of the music studios, with 20 years of experience. She has a background in engineering and software development and with that knowledge Lisa Rae developed the music program that is age appropriate and child specific. There are lessons and classes on an individual and group basis for students ages five to adult. The classes for piano, saxophone, oboe, violin, clarinet, trombone, violin and voice are taught by Lisa Rae and a staff of professional teachers intent on developing an interest in all music genres and direction toward performance opportunities. There are two locations for classes at the United Methodist Church in Coraopolis and Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley. The students show off their talents at schools, churches and music centers, where they display the instrumental and voice instruction presented at Lisa Rae Music Studios.
Sunburst School Of Music
5843 Forbes Ave., Suite 201
(412) 475-8280
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
www.sunburstmusic.com
Sunburst School of Music has private and group programs that are developed with the tastes and learning styles for students of all levels ages 4 and up. The lessons are on a weekly basis on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, voice and music production. The Sunburst Rocks program is a confidence builder, and sharing group performances together demonstrates that the practice sessions show growth, creativity and musical skills. Sunburst offers different ranks of programs for kids aged 6–7 to explore and try out an instrument, Emerging Artists for ages 8–10 to see what it's like to become a part of a band, and a Super Rocks Main Stage program for ages 10–17 to perform at events in the Pittsburgh area. The teachers have proven to be an effective model to enhance instruction at all age levels in a positive learning atmosphere.
Accordworks Music
7053 Steubenville Pike, Suite 21
Oakdale, PA 15071
(412) 886-0310
www.accordworks.com
Sam Klingensmith, owner, has 15 years of experience in music instruction and, with the help of his teachers, provides lessons and classes in piano, oboe, clarinet and saxophone. The lessons are arranged in private or group sessions and if you are in need of an instrument, there is an opportunity to purchase one at an affordable arrangement. There is a summer music series for the students to group together, record and get a CD of the performance. The studio has ample space to practice, and that atmosphere makes for a comfortable experience with teachers who are patient and understanding. The total number of students can range from 15-40, and that makes for a perfect way to get the best results.
Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
