What They’re Sayin’…

 

 

Donna Zitzelberger There is one word that describes Leanne Regalla:  INSPIRING. She is a fabulous teacher, performer, and songwriter. She has an amazing skill to take what she has learned and utilized; then immediately turn around and teach it to others. Leanne constantly strives to forge new ground in the world of music and continually seeks out the best environments for professional growth.  Her expertise in performance coaching has been of great help to me in working with my own students when they suffer from performance anxiety. Her students and audiences are very lucky people; and I am very blessed to call her friend and colleague.  – Donna Zitzelberger, Guitar Instructor, Thousand Oaks CA.
  Leanne Regalla has been teaching my daughter, Emma, for the last 2 ½ years. I’ve found Leanne to be patient and kind. Her encouraging teaching style is the perfect match for Emma. Leanne easily adapts to Emma’s interests and continues to expose her to new opportunities to learn. They have developed a special relationship over the years. When Emma writes a new song or perfects a difficult strum she can’t wait until her next lesson to show Leanne. Guitar has become an important part of Emma’s life and we are so thankful to have Leanne and Amazing Cool Music. – Deanna G., Sewickley, PA.
  I had tried other teachers but none were able to combine guitar instruction with voice instruction to get me where I want to be (a performer). I know more songs than I ever did after only a few months of studying with you. And you have made a number of suggestions about playing the guitar that professionals know but no one ever showed me before. I like the relaxed atmosphere of your lessons. You are always upbeat, never critical. I never feel pressured or reluctant to try new things in front of you.I’d absolutely recommend you, for all the reasons above. I enjoy playing the guitar now more than ever. I’m looking forward to the continued progress I know I’ll make. – Craig Mallick, Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA.
  I was hesitant about switching from my old instructor, but you ended up even better than the last one (and you smell nicer too!) I have noticed my playing has gotten much better, and I have a better understanding of music and musicians. I like that I can ask to learn any song, and you will find it and help me learn it. I have gotten much more confident in my guitar playing and I look forward to my guitar lessons every other week. I would recommend you because you explain things so they make sense, you are patient, and teach theory as well as songs. I’m glad you are my teacher because you are patient and helped me become more confident in my guitar playing so now I play louder and I am more comfortable playing in front of people.  Heather C., Student, Crescent, PA.
  I had hesitations about being 30 years old and just starting to take lessons. I liked that you told me that you love teaching adults and that you yourself started playing when you were 30. That really made me approach it with ease, especially after seeing how you totally rock having learned as an adult yourself! Playing guitar is something I had wanted to do for many years and never made time for because of work.  Now I see the balance that art brings to life.  Music, and in my case in particular, guitar playing, nurtures my soul the way work feeds my brain. I like your approach of combining theory and technique with application.  It makes the learning process more enjoyable and helps me nail the techniques as I learn fun songs to show off :) It’s been very satisfying to me to reach this long-term goal. I enjoy it so much that I know that although I may take lessons on and off due to work related travel, I will never give it up. Heck yeah I recommend you! You are a very thorough teacher, you have a talent of giving your students the tools and a process to learn and achieve what they want.  This applies well to the performance workshops where the focus is – if others can do it, so can you!  Letting us know that we can learn the skills and tricks and that it is not just something that some lucky folks are born with. You rock! – Haydee Luciano, Program Manager, Moon Township, PA.
David Sykut Oh as if you need to bribe me. I know what a good reference means to a teacher. And besides, I owe you. You’ve got me enjoying guitar and feeling like I’m getting somewhere with my playing…after quite a few years of frustration.  - David R. Sykut, General Manager, Brighton Heights, PA.
   
  I have been taking lessons from Leanne for over 2 years. As an adult student, I decided to fulfill my interest in music by learning to play the guitar… Learning guitar was a wonderful change of pace for me. Le is willing to work with you to meet your musical goals. Whether it be reading music, performing, or just acquiring the knowledge to play a few songs – you will learn! – Jessica Cooper, Teacher/Reading Specialist, Moon Township, PA.
  My experience with a previous teacher was fair.  The teacher was more interested in teaching me the theory and individual notes. I took lessons from her for about 3-4 months and never got anywhere.  I couldn’t play anything nor could I understand any kind of rhythm. She never “practiced” with me and that was a huge issue…  I now can play a few simple songs and understand different rhythm patterns.  You have always given me good advice on how to improve my problem areas… My experience with your lessons has been very positive… I have a good foundation to go by now to improve greatly. – Ginny H., Slippery Rock, PA.
   
  “It is a pleasure to watch how Ms. Regalla is able to bring light to her guitar students. Somewhere amidst their learning of technique and theory the students play through the entire song – not just the various notes and phrases within. She crafts her lessons to take her students to the specific goals the student has in mind in methods of performance, better understanding of their music, and effective technique. The final result is a student who has the passion and skills to perform from their very first lesson.” – Bob Banerjee, Musician and Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA.