Meet Some of Our Teachers Using Technology
Online Guitar, Bass Guitar and Ukulele Lessons with Justin Clauser
I am Justin Clauser, co-owner of The Perfect 5th and teacher of guitar, bass, and ukulele. I currently offer online instruction using Skype to connect with students for weekly private lessons. Since beginning online lessons, I have witnessed great progress from my students as they learn to take ownership over their musical progress. My students and I are working harder than ever and learning more every week.
Now more than ever, we realize the importance that learning music has in our lives and I am committed to going the extra mile in providing the best learning experience for my students.
Guitar
Online Guitar, Bass Guitar and Ukulele Lessons with Justin Clauser
Here is what a few students have to say about our online lessons:
‘In these unprecedented times, online lessons from Justin via video conference have been fantastic. Justin seamlessly provides the same caliber of teaching online as he does in person. As a student, I could not be happier with the experience.” -Tom Santana
Through Skype, Justin has been able to project his enthusiasm and love of music right into our family room. With Justin’s help and guidance, she has tremendously improved and she looks forward to her weekly lessons! - Stephanie Bevenour
Read More about Justin
Online Flute and Piccolo Lessons with Molly Shortridge
While I have had previous experience teaching online lessons, I have not done this quite so extensively until early March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There have been many positives to teaching online and students are enjoying the time we have together each week.
Flute
Online Flute and Picc Lessons with Molly Shortridge
I have a flute studio of about 55-60 students, and almost all them switched to online lessons. I have found that I am able to teach equally effectively and have even developed some new learning experiences that I hope to continue when we are back to in-person lessons. Here are some changes and fun things we are doing in the studio:
Students are continuing to work on audition material, method books, technical exercises, and music repertoire, but in addition, I have been sending students many extra pieces of free, online, sheet music and listening links. Students are making “Quarantine notebooks” of these extra exercises and music, so that they continue to be practicing and excited about music.
I introduced a “Canned Food Drive” practice challenge as well, and I have agreed to donate 10 cans of food for each 100 hours of practice from the entire studio.Many students are also participating in a “Food for Scales” challenge, implemented but method book author, Kathy Blocki.
I have found, in particular, that the nature of online teaching requires more verbal discussion and understanding of music terminology. I am using games to help them understand the elements of music and the meaning of musical terms. This is very good for each students musical development and understanding. I am glad to be there for each of my students during this difficult time. I have heard from many parents that they are simply glad that another person is there for their child. I also have adult students, and they are happy to have a goal-oriented session that helps take their mind off of the current troubles.
While I am looking forward to resuming one on one lessons at my studio at the Perfect 5th, I will continue to offer online lessons in the future, even after the Covid outbreak. I am finding it very convenient for many of my students and they are finding out that learning flute this way is working!
“I like my online lessons because I can learn from the comfort of my own home. I feel that I am learning just as much and completely required skills on my flute” -Kayla
Online Piano and Voice Lessons with David M. Glasgow
While the holistic interaction of in-person lessons is obviously superior to interaction through screens, David takes advantage of several technologies that make today’s online lessons much more enjoyable and productive than they could have been even a few years ago. These technologies are always available for regular students who want to avoid cancelling a lesson because of illness or travel, and during the COVID quarantine these services have allowed David to continue to provide high-quality instruction to nearly all of his regular students.
Online Piano with David M. Glasgow
For piano lessons David uses a dual-camera Zoom setup that allows him to alternate between a “face-front” view for standard speech and an “over-keyboard” view for demonstrating fingerings, hand positions, and techniques. Students who use a MIDI keyboard at home may also collaborate with David using Internet MIDI, which allows for instantaneous data transfer, including even real-time duets! Technical requirements and other details about David’s online piano studio are available at davidmglasgow.com/online/piano.
A few vacancies remain in David’s weekly teaching schedule; students who are interested in beginning studies online and switching to in-person lessons when the quarantine ends are welcome to complete a Prospective Student Application at any time, or to Contact David with specific inquiries.
Online Voice with David M. Glasgow
For voice lessons, David uses the services of VoiceLessons.com—available in Mac and PC desktop apps and cross-platform Chrome web app, the VL platform allows David to “play” accompaniments through the student’s speakers, eliminating the lag time and “echo effect” of attempting to sing together through a standard video chat platform. There’s also a VL practice app for Android and iOS devices that allows students to review their lessons and David’s notes and access practice tracks between lessons. Technical requirements and other details about David’s online voice studio are available at davidmglasgow.com/online/voice.
A few vacancies remain in David’s weekly teaching schedule; students who are interested in beginning studies online and switching to in-person lessons when the quarantine ends are welcome to complete a Prospective Student Application at any time, or to Contact David with specific inquiries.
Online Guitar and Ukulele Lessons with Maria Wilson
My name is Maria Wilson and I have been teaching guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar for over 25 years. I am currently teaching online due to the Covid-19 quarantine and have found that students are responding well to the changes since making the transition from in-person lessons to online. While I am teaching them with the same curriculum, materials and books that I have in the past, I now have access to even more teaching materials through internet access and this has surprisingly expanded my repertoire! The students are enjoying the fact that the schedule is more flexible as well.
Guitar
Online Guitar and Ukulele Lessons with Maria Wilson
I would be happy to “meet’ you online, should you want to get started with lessons. Please check out my information on our staff page and I will get back to you shortly thereafter
Other online lesson videos
Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Left Hand
Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Power Chords
Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Right Hand
Online Piano and Keyboard Lessons with Heather Perry
Our instructor Heather Perry is having tremendous success teaching online piano lessons! Her students of all ages are continuing to hone their musicianship, progress through their lesson books, and take on exciting new projects - all from home. She has developed a slew of new camera-friendly games and activities that will keep even the youngest of learners engaged and having fun. Most of all, she cherishes the opportunity to be a source of support, stability, and positivity to her students during this time.
Piano
Online Piano and Keyboard Lessons with Heather Perry
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how it all works? Check out this video that shows both sides of a virtual lesson with Heather! To get information about lessons please check out my information on our staff page and I will get back to you shortly thereafter
Check out Heather Perry Online Instruction Lesson
Online Acting Lessons with Ben Hodge
Greetings! I am Ben Hodge, the acting teacher here at Perfect 5th. I currently offer online instruction using Zoom to connect with students for weekly private lessons as well as online group workshops for ages 12+ from a variety of experience levels.
Acting
Online Acting Lessons with Ben Hodge
Transitioning to online lessons has been almost seamless as we continue to learn the fundamentals of acting, auditioning, scene study, text analysis, character development and connection to self and others. The classes are designed to meet each actor at their appropriate skill level while encouraging them to learn from each other through scene study, monologue work, cold reading and audition technique. Online classes also provide the opportunity to record and practice the much needed skill of self-taping and video feedback. During these times of quarantine, social distancing and facing the unknown, we need acting training more than ever. Learning how to FEEL and express authentic emotion is crucial at times like these. As I often say, in these classes we learn not only to be good actors, but good humans as well.
BHStudios @P5 Online Acting Workshop: How we work
What students and professionals have to say about my lessons and training:
"Ben provides an honest view of what actors need to hear. I am impressed by how his views were so similar to mine and noticed that he has a clear passion for the craft of acting. If you are in the small markets of PA and are looking for high quality acting training, look no further than BHStudios."-Danielle Eskinazi, casting director
Read More about Ben
Online Piano and Voice Lessons with Dawn Bennett
I started teaching online 6 weeks ago in response to the pandemic. Although sometimes online teaching is challenging, I am enjoying this time. My students are progressing and as I just told them, we are not just surviving, but we are thriving with online lessons. I’m very proud of my students!
Piano
Online Piano Lessons with Dawn Bennett
My piano students usually work on about 4 songs per week, out of the Faber Lesson and Performance Books. I also provide supplementary music as needed. We do a page or two out of the Theory Book each week. I’m thankful to the parents of younger students who participate in the lessons
Voice
Online Voice Lessons with Dawn Bennett
My younger voice students are working through a book series called The Full Voice, in addition to their songs. We do vocal warmups and use the accompaniments provided by Hal Leonard. I have invested in books which provide online accompaniments. My older voice students do sight singing exercises, in addition to their songs.
Online Piano, Harp, Hammered Dulcimer and Concertina with Mary-Kate Spring Lee
Mary-Kate Spring Lee is an experienced performer and teacher and is now providing online lessons on Piano, Harp, Hammered Dulcimer and Concertina In addition to the students one-on-one weekly lesson, Mary-Kate provides a follow email and video with additional teaching aides, and is also available for questions and assistance via phone or email throughout the week.
Online Piano, Harp, Hammered Dulcimer and Concertina with Mary-Kate Spring Lee
The benefits of online teaching include receiving quality lessons from the comfort of your home, as well as access to video aides and teacher assistance throughout the week. Mary-Kate is here to help during these trying times!
Mary-Kate Spring Lee started teaching my children, ages 9 & 13 in person and we transitioned seamlessly to virtual lessons! My children look forward to meeting with Mary-Kate every week as one of our few "things to do" during this time of isolation. Mary-Kate is organized, kind, and supportive and leaves my children wanting to practice more. We feel so lucky to have found her to teach our children. -David Christopher and Aron Christopher
My daughter has been taking online lessons from Mary-Kate for about a month. The online program works out well. The lessons are through a zoom link. After the lesson, we receive a video of my daughter’s songs for the week played by Mary-Kate. My daughter has been progressing well. Mary-Kate’s personality is perfect for teaching my young daughter. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging & kind. She a wonderful music teacher. -Marnie O'Donnell
Check out her website.
Online Voice and Piano with Dr. Zach Nyce
Hi, I'm Dr. Zach Nyce, instructor of voice and piano at Perfect 5th. Recently I've been giving virtual lessons to my students via FaceTime. Virtual teaching has certainly been a learning experience for me and my students, yet it has been the highlight of the week for many of us. We are not only meeting differently, but we are also learning differently, and experiencing music in a new revelatory way
Voice & Piano
Online Voice and Piano with Dr. Zach Nyce
The transition to online lessons has been very smooth. My students continue to meet my expectations as their teacher, and their own personal goals. My piano students have more time to practice and even enjoy practicing as a significant part of their day. My vocal students have had time to focus on their tone quality and technique, as well as explore new repertoire and genres that they hadn't though of before
The disruption of our daily lives has served as an impetus for discovering new things, both for my students and myself. I've changed the way I think about music education and how it can survive and why it should survive during the strangest of times. Music has never been more important to us as it is now. Whether you're a beginner, or you've been a musician for 40 years, the musical experience releases the emotions and ideas that we can't express any other way. Right now, we are all full of emotions. My colleagues at Perfect 5th and myself are here to help, and we're not going anywhere.
"This is the highlight of our week, every week. Thank you!" -Abby
"Our son began lessons right before the pandemic so most of his lessons have been virtual. Despite that, Zach has worked around it, using available technology to ensure our son continues his musical experience."-Rene
Check out Zach during lesson time with some of his students.
Online Saxophone and Clarinet Lessons with Shami Beni
My name is Shami Beni and I am currently a senior at Lebanon Valley College studying Music Education and Jazz Studies. I have been a Teaching Assistant at the Perfect 5th since September of 2019! I am currently teaching online due to COVID-19 pandemic and found all my students responded well to the transition. With this online platform of teaching, I found that students are held more accountable for practicing which has made lessons overall more enjoyable for me and the student!
Sax & Clarinet
Online Saxophone and Clarinet Lessons with Shami Beni
I currently use Zoom for my online teaching lessons but I am open to using any platform! Due to the pandemic, there is much flexibility to the time and day of which the lessons can be held.
Check out my site for more information.
Online Violin, Viola and Cello Lessons with Greg Flury
Hello my name is Gregory Flury and I am one of the orchestral strings instructors here at Perfect 5th, offering lessons on violin, viola, and cello. I provide online instruction via Skype or Zoom to my students to make sure that we can continue our musical journey in these unsure times. It has been a great experience being able to see students' initiative and dedication to their craft despite not being able to interact in person. There is more discussion of analysis, more communication of the students' understanding, and an opportunity for us to talk about the different elements of musical technique and interpretation that lie outside the context of the instrument.
Strings
Online Violin, Viola and Cello Lessons with Greg Flury
We are able to still cover a great deal of repertoire and exercises - scales, arpeggios, hand shape, etc., - as we would under normal circumstances, so we're able to progress well and unhindered with online teaching. Below are the camera angles that I've found most effective when working with the instruments for observation. With more resources available online and a more flexible schedule I would invite you to connect with me through Perfect 5th or visit my website, gregoryflury.com, to schedule a lesson!
The enriching power of music is an incredible gift that can help bring people together, and as my passion I am determined to provide the best learning experience and musical insights that I can to each and every student.
Check out my site for more information.