In Person Music Lessons in Plum / Golden Mile

From here you can get to know our highly qualified teaching staff. Simply click the link below to see which teachers we have for each instrument family.


Woodwinds - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone


Amanda Sage

Focus Area: Woodwinds
Instruments: Flute
Rate: $28 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Allison Park, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Amanda Sage is a flutist and private teacher from the Pittsburgh area. She has served as principal flute with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, principal flute and second flute/piccolo with Undercroft Opera, as well as performed with the Edgewood, Westmoreland, and Johnstown Symphonies. She also performs in various solo, chamber, and larger ensemble roles in a variety of venues throughout the Pittsburgh area, including the newly formed Bel Suono Ensemble of which she is a founding member. An advocate of early music and historical performance, Amanda also plays the baroque flute. She has performed in masterclasses for baroque flutists Kim Pineda, Janet See, and Barthold Kuijken.

As an educator, she has nearly 12 years of experience in private instruction, along with her many years of experience teaching both instrumental and general music (K-12). Amanda's students have experienced success in passing auditions for various middle and high school honor level ensembles, as well as colleges and universities for those who decide to pursue a music career. In addition to her private studio, Amanda serves as adjunct flute instructor at Mercyhurst University, as well as adjunct faculty lecturer in music at West Virginia Northern Community College.

Beyond music, Amanda is a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Amanda has presented workshops on the topic of performance health for musicians at several different events including the annual Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, the annual National Flute Convention and the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia's annual Flute Fair. Amanda received a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Seton Hill University, and a Master of Music degree in flute performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.


Rachael Stutzman Cohen

Focus Area: Woodwinds
Instruments: Clarinet and Saxophone
Rate: $30.25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Rachael Stutzman is a passionate performer and avid teacher of music. She currently holds the position of Second Clarinet with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and frequently performs with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Sarasota Orchestra. Previously, Rachael held the position of Bass Clarinet with the Kansas City Symphony. She has also performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, Aspen Music Festival, and Britt Festival Orchestra and been led under the batons of Christoph von Dohnanyi, Gerard Schwarz, Tito Munos, and James Gaffigan. Rachael is proud to be a founding member of the Trillium Ensemble, Pittsburgh’s only flute, clarinet, and piano trio. Trillium allows Rachael to explore her enthusiasm for musical collaboration and support new music. The trio performs contemporary music across the Pittsburgh region and works with budding student musicians from middle school to college age. She has premiered works by Fernando Benadon, Federico Garcia, Mattew Heap, Mark Fromm, Scott Steele, and David Bennett Thomas. At the university level, Rachael has taught at Slippery Rock University (PA) as well as given masterclasses at Truman State University (MO) and the University of South Florida. She received her BFA and MAM from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Rachael has also studied with Ron Samuels, Dick Page, Dennis Smylie, and Paul Demers. When Rachael is not performing, she enjoys cooking with her husband and long-distance running.


 

Mike Menzietti

Focus Area: Woodwinds
Instruments: Saxophone
Rate: $27 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Mike Menzietti is an avid educator and performer in the Pittsburgh area. Mike has been teaching private lessons for over 20 years, and teaches students of all ages and levels. Lessons with Mike will focus on what you specifically need to grow and efficient methods to accomplish your goals.

Mike is a lifelong learner, and is currently studying the saxophone, clarinet, flute, and improvisation with renowned jazz pedagogue, Greg Fishman. Along with teaching saxophone lessons at Johnstonbaugh’s, Mike is an Academic Advisor, within The University of Pittsburgh.

He is a graduate of Ithaca College, earning a master’s degree in Saxophone Performance (2008). Mike is also a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

Mike is infatuated with the life and music, of the great Charlie Parker. Recent memorable performances for Mike include, performing live on the DVE Morning Show and as a guest with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in Pittsburgh. Mike is the baritone saxophonist for the band iNCO FIdO.

 


Brass - Trumpet, F Horn, Trombone/Low Brass

Back to top

 

Michael Buckstein

Focus Area: Brass
Instruments: Trumpet and French Horn
Rate: $25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Michael Buckstein is an educator and performer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, at which he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology. Michael is also a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), at which he earned a Bachelors of Science in Education Degree in Music Education. His primary teachers include Karl Priore (Pitt) and Dr. Kevin Eisensmith (IUP).

Michael has a wealth of musical experiences, and has performed in a multitude of large and small ensembles, spanning many genres. Large ensembles include the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, University of Pittsburgh Pep Band, University of Pittsburgh Symphonic Band, University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, University of Pittsburgh Jazz Ensemble, IUP Symphony Band, IUP University Chorus, IUP Wind Ensemble, and the Allegheny Brass Band. Small ensembles include The Allies of the Boulevard, Kappa Kappa Psi Brass Quintet, Kappa Kappa Psi Wind Quintet, Kappa Kappa Psi Trumpet Ensemble, IUP Trumpet Ensemble, Legacy Brass Quintet and the Plum Brass Quintet. He also has experience performing in pit orchestras for musicals, performing for Nine and Legally Blonde during his tenure at Pitt.

Michael is a passionate music educator, and has taught in a variety of settings. He has maintained a private studio of trumpet and horn students since 2018, with many of his students making honors bands such as the Alle-Kiski Honors Band and PMEA All-State Honors Band. As a Music Instructor at Chatham University’s Music and Arts Day Camp, Michael taught K-4 General Music, as well as courses in Conducting, Pep Band, and Digital Music Technology. As Assistant Director of the Plum High School Band, he brought in various guest clinicians (such as The Brass Roots and Professor Alan Hood), organized extracurricular field trips to the University of Pittsburgh and Slippery Rock University, and coached chamber music ensembles. His chamber music ensembles have performed at venues such as the National Aviary, Chick-Fil-A, and the Benedum Center. Currently, Michael is the Director of Bands in the Mt. Pleasant Area School District, where he teaches 7-12 Band (Symphonic, Jazz, and Marching), as well as middle school general music.


 

Matt Pienkowski

Focus Area: Brass
Instruments: Trumpet
Rate: $29 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Matt is currently the principal trumpet for the Washington Symphony. A graduate of West Virginia University and Carnegie Mellon University, Matt’s previous teachers include Neal Berntsen, George Vosburgh, John Winkler, David Hickman, and Paul Weber. Matt has maintained a trumpet studio since college and has had great success with his students placing in various orchestras and bands. Matt has performed all over the area playing with orchestras such as Wheeling, West Virginia, and Canton, Ohio. Recently married, Matt spends his free time lifting weights and with his wife, Christina.


 

Amy Kuehn

Focus Area: Low Brass
Instruments: Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba.
Rate: $25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Amy is originally from Northeast Ohio where she had the privilege to be an instrumental music teacher in the Parma City School District. During her tenure she held the position of High School Director of Bands, Assistant Director of Bands and director of Middle School/Elementary Bands.

As a private studio instructor, she encourages all her students to become active and productive members in their school ensembles while always continuing to focus on their individual musical development. She customizes lessons to suit each student's needs, ability levels and musical endeavors. Students that choose to pursue participation in enrichment ensembles are provided with the guidance necessary to prepare the required music and to have a positive experience. Beyond their school music programs her students achievements include membership in the Seton Hill Honors Band, Westmoreland County Honors Bands, All-Ohio State Fair Band, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, OMEA Honors Bands, Collegiate Honors Bands and participation in adjudicated events.

While teaching in Ohio she enjoyed performing with professional and civic ensembles. These ensembles include: Emperors of Swing, Gabriel's Horns, Seasonal Brass, The Cleveland Symphonic Winds, The Lakeland Community College Bands, The University of Akron Summer Brass Ensemble and various school/civic theatres. She is currently principal Euphonium with the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds and is performing locally with various civic ensembles including the Musicians Concert Band of Butler, PA.

Her academic history includes a BA of Music Education from Cleveland State University and an MA of Music Education from the The University of Akron. She studied trombone with Jim Taylor and Ed Zadrozny and studied Euphonium with Jim Taylor, Tucker Jolly and most recently Dr. Zach Collins.

Amy teaches three days a week in person and online through Johnstonbaughs Music Center. She is accepting students of all ages and ability levels for Euphonoium, Tuba and Trombone studies. In addition to performing she enjoys spending time cycling, hiking and cooking.


Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello

Back to top

Olga Taimanov

Focus Area: Orchestral Strings
Instruments: Violin and Viola
Rate: $35.25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Olga Taimanov is a native of Leningrad and attended the Special Music School for Gifted Children in Leningrad, Russia. She graduated from Leningrad State Conservatory and earned her Artist Diploma from Duquesne University. Mrs. Taimanov has held numerous orchestral positions, such as Principal Violist of St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra "Mozarteum", Principal Violist of the State Symphony Orchestra "Klassica", and Associate Principal Viola of the Israel Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra. Mrs. Taimanov’s orchestra experience also includes performances with the world renowned Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.She has performed under such great conductors as Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, and Y. Temirkanov.

Mrs. Taimanov’s chamber music experience includes performing at many international chamber music festivals such as "Abu-Gosh" in Israel, "Villa Music" in Germany, "The White Nights" in Russia and "Goetehanum" in Switzerland. Mrs. Taimanov has received awards including winner of the Pittsburgh Concert Society Competition in 2001 and being nominated for the National All-American Scholar Collegiate Award in 2002. Mrs. Taimanov continues to be an active performer and teacher. Her busy schedule includes solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. In the past she performed with numerous orchestras around Pittsburgh, including Pittsburgh Opera as well as the Wheeling Symphony and Three Rivers City orchestra in WV. She is a former member of Erie Philharmonic, currently an associate member of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon.


Maddie Thurman

Focus Area: Orchestral Strings
Instruments: Cello
Rate: $30.00 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Maddie Thurman received her Bachelor Degree in music from Utah Valley University with an emphasis in cello. At Utah Valley University, her teachers were Dr. Cheung Chao, Dr. Donna Fairbanks, and Monika Bowman. She performed in the Utah Valley University symphony, various small ensembles, and the Beethoven Chamber Music Festival. Since 2009, she has also performed as a lead singer and cellist in the pop/country trio Firefly. Her experience with Firefly includes writing, arranging, and recording cello music. As a cello teacher, she combines her experience from both the pop and classical worlds to give students a unique balance of styles. Her top priority is helping her students find joy in musical learning and expression.


Judy Willman

Focus Area: Orchestral Strings
Instruments: Violin and Viola
Rate: $25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Judy Willman grew up in the Penn Hills area and graduated from Penn Hills High School. She attended Carnegie Mellon where she studied viola with George Grossman and graduated with a degree in Music Education. She taught strings in the North Hills School District. Graduate work took her to Bringham Young University where she studied viola with Percy Kalt and played in the Utah Valley Symphony. She later went to Arizona and taught strings in the Phoenix Public Schools and played with the Mesa Symphony. Since returning to Pittsburgh, Judy has continued to play – both with the McKeesport Symphony and the Butler Symphony, among other places. Judy also works as an artist, painting storefront windows and participating in area craft shows.


Percussion

Back to top

Travis Butler

Focus Area: Percussion
Instruments: Percussion
Rate: $30 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Travis Butler is a drummer, audio engineer, and producer from Pittsburgh, PA. He began his drumming career in 2004 in the 4th grade band in elementary school. His music instructors recognized his natural talent and pushed him to take music seriously. By 10th grade, he was already building his own lesson studio, starting with teaching some of the younger kids in his school district. By the end of high school, Travis had auditioned and played for multiple PMEA advanced bands in the region, including the PMEA Honors Band, for which he took first chair percussion in both his junior and senior years.

Travis decided to continue his music journey when he was accepted into the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, where he had the privilege of learning from some of the most talented musicians in the world, including many members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, Travis graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor's degree in Music Technology.

Since graduating, Travis has been highly involved in the Pittsburgh Music Scene. In 2018 and 2019, he focused solely on being a gigging musician, playing over 80 performances in 2019 alone. Today, with live music finally making a reappearance, the gigging life continues for Travis, as well as taking a position at Johnstonbaugh’s Music to continue his10+ year teaching journey. You can catch Travis playing all over Pittsburgh with local acts Brahctopus and Justin Fabus.


Piano

Back to top

John Kulik

Focus Area: Piano
Instruments: Piano
Rate:
$30: 30 minute lesson
$45: 45 minute lesson
$60: 60 minute lesson
Locations: Allison Park & Golden Mile

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

John V. Kulik, NCTM holds a B.S. degree in Music Education St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, and an M.M. degree in Piano Pedagogy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. He is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music with over 30 years of teaching experience with students age 4 and up. Mr. Kulik has taught private as well as class piano at Chatham College’s Laboratory School of Music, Pittsburgh, PA and at Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, PA. He has had many successful students place in performance and composition competitions at the local and state levels of PMTA. Mr. Kulik currently maintains an independent studio of children and adults in Murrysville, PA and is a frequent solo and collaborative pianist in the area as well as being a performing member of the Friday Evening Music Club, Greensburg, PA.


Melinda Plowman

Focus Area: Piano
Instruments: Piano
Rate: $25 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Melinda Plowman is a graduate of Clarion State University with a graduate study at Indiana University of PA. She is a trained classical pianist with extensive performance experience. She has taught piano privately for Larry Cervi School of Performing Arts, Murphy’s Music Studio, and Open Door Christian Academy. She is an accomplished accompanist for the Kiski Area High School and Junior High School Choirs. She previously accompanied Highlands, Leechburg, Apollo Ridge, and St. Joseph’s High School Choirs. Melinda has also accompanied several musicals, including: The Wizard of Oz, Footloose, Hello Dolly, Camelot, and My Fair Lady. She has also accompanied the Natrona Heights Rotary Club Concerts. Melinda regularly works as a substitute pianist for churches in the Western PA area.


Voice

Back to top

There are no voice teachers available for in person lessons at our Allison Park location right now. Please consider visiting the Virtual Lessons page to explore options for taking lessons from home.


Guitar

Back to top

Rick Clew

Focus Area: Guitar
Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Beginner Mandolin
Rate: $27.50 per 30 minute lesson
Locations: Golden Mile

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

Rick Clew is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Professional Music. He is the former owner and head instructor of Plum Boro Music which served this area for 18 years. Rick performs regularly with The Gillie Brothers Band and does various benefits and fundraisers with a professional group of musicians such as Rick Witkowski, Hermie Granati and Nashville singer songwriter Bailey Taylor and other talented players. Rick likes to cater to the individual needs of each student, and teaches many songs of all genres chosen by student to keep the lesson process as interesting as possible. Rick has helped many of his students with their school jazz programs in Plum and Franklin Regional school districts as well as the Moon Area school district where he has been a resident for most of his life.


Matt Korbanic

Focus Area: Guitar
Instruments: Guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele
Rate: $27 for 30 minute lessons
Locations: Golden Mile, Allison Park, Virtual

Federal Criminal
History Record Check

PA Child Abuse
History Check

PA Criminal
History Check

“Exceptional talent with virtuoso technique” writes Mike Cimballa, music critic and violinist with the Charlotte Symphony of his lyrical interpretations of his music. Born and educated in Pittsburgh, Matthew Korbanic has earned a masters degree in classical guitar performance from Carnegie Mellon University. Some of his noted teachers have been Dr. Nathan Davis, James Ferla, and Joe Negri. As a player on the newly innovated 8 string “Brahms” style guitar by Paul Galbraith, he has toured the east coast and mid-west and has received grants to study with Mr. Galbraith. He has been a return performer with the Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Pittsburgh Opera, and the Pittsburgh Arts Council. As a soloist and as a member of a flute and guitar duo, he has been presented live on WQED-FM in Pittsburgh. He has released a CD of original guitar compositions through his own record label titled “Orbit”. Click here to visit his website.


Back to top

Act 33/34

Federal Criminal History Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Check, PA Criminal History Check:

This means that the teacher has received Act 33/34 Clearances from the State of Pennsylvania. Act 33/34 Clearances are designed to ensure that people who work with children have a record clear of child abuse and crime. All schools in Pennsylvania require that teachers and school staff have Act 33/34 Clearances. In June of 2005, Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers implemented a policy that all new teachers are required to have Act 33/34 Clearances.

Loading...