Music & Theater Teacher - Piano, Guitar, Voice, Acting

Alex C.

My journey as a music educator began through performing in off-Broadway musicals and touring with bands in Los Angeles, where I regularly helped fellow musicians learn new material for shows. I discovered that breaking down complex songs into manageable pieces for bandmates was something I genuinely enjoyed, and it naturally evolved into teaching. I hold a BFA in Theater from Elon University, where I studied music theory, voice, and performance alongside my acting training.
My teaching approach comes from real-world performing experience rather than traditional pedagogy, which means I focus on practical application over theory. When working with beginners, whether they're eight years old picking up their first guitar or adults returning to piano after decades away, I start with songs they actually want to play. This keeps motivation high and makes practice feel less like homework. For voice students, I emphasize healthy technique through breathing exercises and proper placement, having learned these techniques through years of eight-show weeks in musical theater.
I've worked with students ranging from young children to retirees, adapting my methods to each person's learning style and goals. Some students want to play their favorite pop songs, others need help preparing for school performances or auditions, and many adults simply want to fulfill a lifelong dream of making music. I teach piano, guitar, voice, and acting, typically working one-on-one to ensure personalized attention. My sessions are patient and encouraging because I remember my own nervousness as a beginner. Music should be joyful, not stressful, and I structure every lesson to ensure students leave feeling accomplished and excited to practice.