Piano Instruction

“Resuming piano lessons as an adult can be intimidating, but Doug has made it fun and rewarding. I'd been learning some pieces on my own and, needless to say, developing some pretty bad habits. He helped me straighten things out right away! I appreciate the freedom to play the style of music I like and the fact that Doug meets me at my level without ever dumbing things down. He's always friendly, energetic, unassuming, and truly a pleasure to work with.” 

—Gray Patton

"Not only did Doug teach me the fundamentals of piano, but he kept lessons engaging and challenging by asking me to work in a variety of genres and even to improvise and compose. He pushed me to practice and improve, but was always patient and tailored his teaching style to my preferences. I come back to what I learned from him often in my general love of music."

—Sam Bisno

Vocal Coaching • Masterclasses

"Without his guidance my auditions would not have been as well prepared. I am an "actor who sings" working mainly in non-musical projects but I was called back for every musical role Doug coached me for."
—Amy Landis, Pittsburgh

“Doug was a superb coach for my musical theater students on two occasions, the latter via zoom. He puts the singers at ease and helps them to be in a trusting state of mind. He provided feedback that immediately helped the singers improve their technique and interpretation.”  

—Raquel Winnica Young, Voice Faculty
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

“Doug helps a person sing things you never thought possible! He has the ability to work with true musicians or people who have never had to read a staff in their lives - I’ve seen it, and it amazes me every time!”
—Lisa Ann Goldsmith

Songwriting Coaching • Transcription • Arranging

"You may have come to Doug for help with an arrangement, but he consistently explores the whole song: melody, harmony, modulations, lyrics. Nothing goes unnoticed. What I especially love is his excitement about the work. He simply won't stop till you have the tools to make your song the best it can possibly be."

—Jeanne Drennan, book, music and lyrics for the musical "Juiced!"

“It’s hard to overstate Doug’s excellence as a transcriber and arranger. He brings insight and remarkable technical skills, as well as focus and time management that means he gets the job done. His talent has been a vital part of my writing a full length musical.”

—Laurie Klatscher, book/music/lyrics “Mary Anning”