"Every week or so, a student of mine can play a new song."
Tony Juliano has been teaching since his college days.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Education, from Temple University,
and a Pennsylvania State Teaching Certification. For years, he taught
in public and private schools, in many different subject areas.
Tony worked in pioneering projects, such as Miquon School,
Settlement Music School, and The Communications Experience Project.
He also studied privately with one of Philadelphia's premier voice instructors
to the stars, the late, great Harold Singer.
Currently, TJ gives private instruction in guitar, voice, songwriting,
and a course for small groups, simply called ...
Playing In A Band.
Jennifer Lile started out as a student in voice, then moved into composition and guitar lessons.
She's developed incredible skills as a singer-songwriter, and has recorded an impressive CD
of her own original songs (see Discography). Photo: Franco Prezio
"My approach is song-oriented and very personal," Tony explains.
"I was trained to create lesson plans for each lesson.
When I do them, I build around my student's own musical tastes and interests.
Student Sammy Finney at Pig Jam 
with Mark Juliano. Photo: Finneys
with Mark Juliano. Photo: Finneys
"It's important to keep lessons simple," he continues.
"Every week or so, a student of mine can play a new song.
This is very reinforcing, and keeps motivation high.
Music theory ?
It comes in small, easy-to-digest doses,
just enough to better understand the work at hand.
As time goes on, we apply it to future lessons."
Don Johnson has studied composition, voice and guitar with Tony. His original CD is excellent (see Discography). Another one is in the works, as he's constantly improving his craft. Photo: David Moser
Student Concert Grand Finale: Luc DeCecco, Ty Yoegel, Courtney Leary and Robin Dart. Photo: Jon Dart
Beginners, starting at 8 years old, are the people
Tony Juliano enjoys working with the most.
"I feel like beginners are the most open-minded," he says.
"Turning them on to new world's of musical experience
is very fullfilling to me. I feel like I'm having
an extremely positive effect on peoples' lives."
John Goetz sings and plays traditional songs. There is no upper age limit for music students. Tony's oldest student, so far, was a retired school principal
in St. Thomas, who took up guitar at 83 years of age. "She was a fast learner,
loved to play gospel tunes, and she had hands like Jimi Hendrix !"
Lynn Finney is into classic rock, bluegrass, blues, folk and sixties music. Her favorite band is the Grateful Dead. Photo: Robin Dart
With his many years in the music business - including his work
as a Sesame Street composer - Tony Juliano brings a lot
to the table, when it comes to teaching.
Some of his students are still working with him
after almost 10 years.
Apparently, they feel like
they're getting a lot out of lessons with Tony.
A few students have even had their original songs recorded,
in a professional studio, and have made great albums.
"But, most people just want to have fun, and make music
for themselves, their friends and families,"
Tony concludes. "I always keep that in mind.
I love teaching, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon."
StudentConcert...Sammy Finney and Chris Hunter rock out. Photo: Jon Dart
P.S.
Notice that name Finney coming up a few times ?
That's because Lynn & Sammy Finney are one of several
parent & child combos who both take music lessons with Tony Juliano.
A family that plays together ... stays together.