Music at 12th Octave

Embark on your musical journey, exploring endless possibilities at 12th Octave. Our music studio offers a diverse menu of instruments to learn!

Whether you prefer private lessons for personalized attention or group lessons for a collaborative experience, we have something for everyone. Let our experienced instructors guide you on your musical journey and help you unlock your full potential. All ages welcome!

Private Lessons Offered:

Piano
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Percussion
Mandolin
Saxophone
Violin
Ukulele
Voice
Trumpet

Group Mini-Sessions Offered:

Homeschool Music
Beginning Violin
Music 101 (Adult/Youth)
Music Theory (Adult / Youth)
Bandwagons

Instructors

Sharon Bratton, owner, piano, team-building

Passion for music and passion for developing individuals to their fullest potential, combined with ambition and drive, Sharon cares deeply about our community, particularly young adults. A musician from the age of 4, she developed her keyboard skills through private instruction at Duquesne University and continues to use those skills today through various opportunities of teaching and playing. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's Certificate in Project Management from Duquesne University, she has enjoyed a career in manufacturing operations in various management rolls. She's been able to develop individuals and leaders and other companies to reach their full potential. Over the years, she's developed curriculum to develop teamwork and communication. Sharon is the worship director at Murrysville Alliance Church and the founder of 12th Octave. She currently teaches piano, voice, music theory, Bandwagons, various arts / craft workshops and does team-building consulting.

Martin Bour, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, recording

Music has been a part of Martin's life from a young age, having a father who played jazz guitar, wrote songs and dabbled in other instruments. Martin started his musical journey when he took an interest in drums in grade school, but switched his interest to guitar in high school.

His inclination toward the technical aspects of recording and production led him to complete a degree in Music Production and Technology from Middle Tennessee University.

He appreciates all styles of music, but tends toward acoustic instruments and enjoys playing music with others, whether it be a living room jam session or a gig out.

While he teaches guitar, ukulele, banjo and music theory, his real passion is in music production. He is registered with ASCAP as a singer-songwriter and producer. He enjoys helping others learn and grow in musical knowledge and capability

Cara Remaley: flute, piano

A Pittsburgh native, Cara has been interested in music her whole life. Beginning with the flute at age 9, she took private lessons and played in her school's band and church's orchestra. After beginning the piano in high school, she decided to pursue her passion of music at Grove City College, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree of Music in 2011. During college, she played in Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Flute Choir, and Flute Quartet. Upon graduation, Cara began teaching private flute and piano lessons, which she currently teaches, averaging 20-30 students. In the past, she has hosted semi-annual student recitals at churches and nursing homes in the Pittsburgh area.

Beginning in 2013, Cara began her freelance performing career at local nursing homes in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Currently, she performs at 25-30 nursing homes per month including assisted living, dementia care, and independent living facilities. She also performs for Weddings Ceremonies and Cocktail Hours, Funeral/Memorial Services, and Special Events such as Art Shows, Anniversary Dinners, Phipps Conservatory, and Kentuck Knob.Cara is a substitute Flute player for the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra.

Cara also teaches piano, flute, and voice for Duquesne University's City Music Center.

Cara is a member of the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union (Local 60-471).

Her website is: www.StrikingaChord.org

Lee Stevens

Lee is a violinist and aspiring composer based in western Pennsylvania, currently studying music for a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Seton Hill University. From a young age, Lee has admired music and would dream of composing and performing. Through his studies and musical performance, Lee has discovered a passion for playing violin and composing music. His favorite aspect of teaching violin is watching his students develop a passion for music and learning. His favorite students to teach are those who wish they had studied violin as a child

Gary Stewart: guitar, bass guitar, mandolin

Gary Stewart is a guitarist and singer based in Greensburg, with over 25 year of experience as a solo artist and band member.

As a soloist, Gary is fluent in genres ranging from classic rock to country to jazz, performing tunes from '70s and '80s icons such as James Taylor, Jim Croce, John Cougar, Mellencamp, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He is just as comfortable with 90's country greats liek Garth Brooks and Toby Keith and can take it back to 50's hits of Hank Williams and Johny Cash.

Gary received his degree in Jass Guitar at Berklee College of Music and has been performing in the Pittsburgh area for 25 years.

Chris Volpe: Trumpet, Guitar, Voice

A lifelong passion for music drives singer / songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Christopher Volpe. Starting his musical career at 15 years old, Chris played trumpet in local dance bands, and continued performing throughout his college years. Studying music education at Saint Vincent College, and music performance at Berklee College of Music, provided a blend of both classical and contemporary musical training. The 70s & 80s disco / funk era, presented the opportunity for Chris to develop skills as an arranger, while and performing with: The Macurdy Brothers, New World Connection, Buddy & The Allstars, and Airtight. After touring with Airtight, Chris joined with former band-mates to form the band Masquerade, where he developed his skills as bassist, guitarist, and vocalist. In 2011, Chris began hosting the Open Mic at the legendary Speal’s Tavern, in New Alexandria Pa. This quickly became a popular performance venue for hundreds of talented musicians, and has become a rich environment for musicians to meet and collaborate. Chris now hosts additional open mics and songwriting clinics, at several other venues as well. He is currently performing as a solo artist, and with his trio; Three Good Reasons, and has also recently performed with Crawdad Joe and The Agway shoplifters.

Ted DeSanti: Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor)

Ted DiSanti is a native of the Greensburg area. He attended Seton Hill University where he majored in music education. Following his undergraduate studies earned his master's degree in music from Duquesne University where he studied both classical and jazz saxophone. Professionally, Ted has taught band and orchestra at Greensburg Central Catholic Junio-Senior High School. When he's not teaching, Ted enjoys working as a freelance musician - as both a saxophonis and a bassist - playing in wedding bands, musical theatre groups and the occasional jazz club.

Phil Graziani: guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals

Phil, is a a multi instrumentalist, with over fifteen years of experience playing guitar and other instruments such as harmonica and lap steel. Philip has been working to teach musicians in Westmoreland and Allegheny county for over seven years. And before that playing in a variety of bands starting in 2014. Bands like Kaeleber, Luke Weltz Band and Saturn VI to name a few. Philip's specialization is in teaching guitar, mandolin, ukulele, bass and banjo. He also teaches percussion and vocals, beginner or advanced.

His main goal with any student is learning to play songs. Learning songs helps people realize the benefits of their practice habits and studies more immediately. Additionally learning songs to help students see how they fit into bands and the roles they could fill in the music world

Private Lesson Information

We are more than simply teaching music or art – we are about establishing a sense of community in our studio to foster a life-long love of creativity and learning; we are about using gifts and talents to bless others in ways that keep on blessing, and about challenging one another to be better versions of ourselves, mentoring students and families for a long life of musicianship and craftsmanship.

We offer private lessons in: piano, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, flute, saxophone, trumpet, percussion, violin, voice and more!

Tuition is based on 48 lessons in 52 weeks divided into 12 monthly, so it's the same rate each month (easy to budget for everyone!). You get an average of 4 lessons per month over the course of the year. Some months have 5 weeks in them and some have 4 (and some have 3 if there is a holiday). You're not charged more for a 5 week month. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Each quarter has a "bonus" lesson if you've not missed any (or a built-in makeup if you have!).

The value your tuition provides is not only 30 minutes of lesson instruction from instructors who know and work in the music industry, performing and recording music, but mentorship and nurturing, and sharing life lessons through music. In addition to their lesson, our studio provides opportunities for them to hone their skill in live performance, either solo, or in ensembles / bands during our Coffee House Events and other local events.

On-going Weekly Lessons

$130 per month for 30 minute lessons

$195 per month for 45 minute lessons

$260 per month for 60 minute lessons

Average of 4 lessons per month over the year
Payment is auto-drafted on the 1st of the month
Free lesson or makeup lesson on the month with 5 weeks

Drop-In (non-recurring)

$40 per 30 minute lessons

$60 pe 45 minute lessons

$80 per 60 minute lessons

not suitable for beginners
suitable for advanced students who merely want some pointers or occasional lessons
subject to both studio and instructor availability
Scheduled one-of, not recurring
must be scheduled AND paid for in advance
Lessons are non-refundable for any reason

Scholarship and fundraising opportunities are available to help defray the cost of lessons. Do not let financial reasons keep you from learning - if lessons provide a hardship, please talk with us!

Group Mini-Sessions

Mini Sessions are 6-8 weeks long mini-semesters geared toward a specific topic. Non-refundable $30 Registration fee is required for classes, full tuition is due before first class and is non-refundable after the first class. No make-up classes are offered for missed classes, though work may be reviewed by instructor, depending on the missed material. Classes require 5 registrants in order to hold (except for Bandwagonz)

Homeschool Music

Ages 5-9

$100 per term (6 weeks)

+ $30 fee for melodica if you don't have one

Wednesdays 11-12 starting Jan 7

Term I: Jan 7. 14. 21, 28. Feb 4, 11

Term II: Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25

Term III: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6

Music Theory

Adult / Youth

learn music theory, including key signatures, chord structure and more

(practical knowledge of music is strongly recommended)

$100 for (6) 1-hour weekly classes

if there are no dates listed, there are no current classes running. Check back soon!

Homeschool Music

Ages 10-14

$100 per term (6 weeks)

+$30 fee for melodica if you don't have one

Wednesdays 9:30 - 10:30

starting Jan 7

Term I: Jan 7. 14. 21, 28. Feb 4, 11

Term II: Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25

Term III: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6