Monthly Archives: June 2018

An Evening of Harmony 2018

June 8, 2018 jsauppe1

Our Students

Testimonials

“Our 11 year old has been taking piano and drum lessons with James for a little over a year and his progress has been remarkable. James has introduced songs and lessons that interest my son, which results in his desire to practice. James is able to teach to my son’s level and personality while patiently leading him to improve. I wish I had a music teacher like James when I was young!”

-John Walko

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Joe, or recommend him more highly. Joe is a very talented musician, a patient and highly effective teacher and mentor, has an excellent way with kids and teens and is a positive and respectful gentleman. He has secured our son’s continued love of, and improvement with, the guitar. We are very grateful to Joe!”

-Lauren Campuzano

“James has been amazing at fostering our son’s curiosity and creativity on the piano (and now also the drums!). He has always taken the time to listen to Vandin’s perspective, no matter how “out there” it can sometimes be. James would always show excitement in whatever direction Vandin wanted to take his playing and he would help develop that into achievable, personalized goals for our son. These past few years have been fun for us to watch as Vandin has grown in his playing all the while with the full enthusiastic encouragement and support of James.”

-Andrew and Ritu Kroh

“Joe Baldacci has been helping our kids learn piano and music theory since our oldest, Zaara, was 5 years old. 6 years later, he’s also teaching Reva, 8, and Thomas, 6. Joe is an impressive musician himself, and he teaches with exactly the right mix of patience, creativity, and accountability. I love overhearing his lessons, both when he’s encouraging a child to develop her own melody a little further, and also when he’s asking the hard questions, like, “Do you feel like you were practicing enough this week?” As parents, we appreciate the practice guide he creates after lessons; it’s great to fall on that when the kids are having a less-than-motivated practice day. Joe and MontCo Music have been super flexible and reliable, helping us squeeze lessons in between other activities, and staying with us via Zoom through the pandemic. Over the years, our three little musicians have grown their skills and confidence immensely, and I am so grateful they have had a gifted educator and mentor in Joe.”

-Jess Beausang

“Working with James from Montco Music has been wonderful. James is a patient and caring instructor. He also has an easygoing and fun personality, to boot. I truly look forward to my lessons with him. He has introduced me to different styles of piano music, from classical to blues to rock. Moreover, working with James has helped my understanding of musical foundations and ability to read sheet music when singing in choir. I strongly recommend Montco Music.”

-Alex Moretsky Esq.

“We have had a great experience with piano lessons from Montco Music for our 10 year old son. James is patient and funny, and our son has really connected with him. Most importantly, he’s playing the piano beautifully! We are so impressed with his progress. We highly recommend Montco Music!”

–Brett Regan

“Joe has been my son Cole’s drum teacher for 7 years now. We’re grateful to have found someone who is not only enthusiastic and talented, but also patient and supportive. Many thanks to both Joe and Montco Music!”

-Karen Pokress

“Joe is great. He’s very chill, and his musical versatility and years in the music business always lead to an interesting conversation. He’s also a wizard on the keys. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

-Noori (student)

“We are so thankful to MontCo Music for instilling a love of piano in our children. They have such a great approach with kids, giving them confidence and a love for music right from the start. James is our teacher, and our children look forward to lessons every week. Thanks MontCo Music for all you do!”

-Amy Levy

“Scott has been an exceptional teacher. This has been Amelia’s first exposure to music lessons, and not only was it good, it’s been magical. Having studied music myself (and piano at that, around her age) I never remember it being fun. Scott has brought a playful and supportive environment to every lesson. He’s encouraged her to write her own music and it is so evident how much she has grown under his direction. He is a natural educator of music.”

-Lindsey Rosenberg

“James Sauppe and MontCo Music have been teaching our son piano since 2014. They are the best! Our son loves to learn piano because James makes learning music fun. He shows up to your house on time and is professional and friendly. We have referred him to many friends and all of their kids love the music lessons they take from MontCo Music.”

-Abby and Brian Fishman

“We can’t imagine a better piano teacher for our daughter, June. James has a wonderful ability to meet each student where he/she is. He meets June’s enthusiasm for music and encourages her love of both learning favorite songs and learning how to notate her original songs. He is patient, kind and makes each lesson both productive and fun.”

-Fred and Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Elkins Park

“James is an all-around professional, as well as a kind and warm human-being! James has taught percussion to (I want to say WITH) our now 11-year-old son for two years. James uses a solid grounding in music education, humor, and structure to engage with kids in music-making. Our son looks forward to lessons with James and they have a great deal of fun together while they are teaching/learning. James is always prompt, professional, and focused on the tasks at hand. He is trustworthy and genuinely interested in the musical education of children. Thanks, James!”

-Krystiane Cooper

“Our daughter Hannah has been taking piano lessons with James Sauppe for a little over a year now. He is a very caring, dedicated and talented teacher. Highly recommended!”

-Jennifer Greene

“James was the DJ at our son’s Bar Mitzvah in October 2015. He did a wonderful job arranging music that both my son and our friends would enjoy. The highlight of the evening was a duet of “Penny Lane” with James and Adam. The evening was great and everyone was on the floor dancing. The evening was a “Black/White” theme because of our son’s love of piano. This would not have been possible if our son had not developed such a love for playing. We have been thrilled with Adam taking lessons with James over the years and having him DJ truly made the evening feel very warm and intimate. We would certainly recommend James for any occasion you may have.”

-Pamela Maman

“My daughter, Isabella, started taking lessons with James about a year ago. In the short time, she can not only play several musical compositions, but her technical skills developed greatly, as well. James’ style meets the needs of my daughter perfectly and his patience and professionalism are superb! We only regret that we did not find him sooner. He is a great mentor and an inspirational musician.”

-Christine Lynn

Local Businesses We Support!!

Kawari Sound

Big Sound Philly Guitar Repair

RBOS Audio

down 2 earth Interior Designs

MontCo Music, Inc.

Monthly Archives: June 2018

An Evening of Harmony 2018

Forward-Thinking Music Community