Desert Home Music

Generally, for a first lesson, we will chat a bit and I will find out more about what the student is looking for in their music lessons. Then we will start with warmups/scales/theory before moving on to repertoire (songs)! I always end each lesson by seeing if the student has any questions and writing their assignments in their lesson book. 

I studied music throughout my life - I had no choice in the matter, since my Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother were all music teachers! Luckily for everyone, I loved it, and continued my studies by majoring in Musical Theatre in college. I've been performing and teaching for over 20 years, and I love it!

I offer many different packages, depending on the student's needs and the level of flexibility they require. For an average 45-minute lesson, I offer 6 lesson scheduled packages (6 consecutive weeks at the same time each week) or 5 lesson flex packages (schedule as you go, whenever we're both free). I also offer the convenience of monthly payments, which are pro-rated for the entire year, so the payment is the same every month (and saves you a bit of money)!

You can see all our pricing on my teaching website: www.deserthomemusic.com

While I was touring throughout Canada (which is where I'm originally from) doing live theater productions and performing with various bands, I began getting requests from my fellow performers to give them "vocal coachings" as they were preparing for auditions and performances. I loved doing it, and my only regret was that my "gypsy lifestyle" - being constantly on the road touring - didn't allow me to develop long-term relationships with my students. I would see them for a few sessions or a master-class while I was in their town, but then wouldn't see them again for months, if ever! 

When I got off the road and set down some roots, I began teaching more seriously, working with professionals, amateurs and beginners over time to improve their technique, performance and confidence - and that's when I found out how deeply satisfying it was to be a teacher! I've been doing it ever since!

I've worked with professional musicians, actors and singers, with retirees who've always wanted to learn to sing/read music/play piano... etc, with children as young as 4 for whom I am their first and only music educator, with teenagers - almost anyone you can think of!

I don't have specialized training to work with special needs students, but if you give me an idea of what works with your child, I will do my best to find the best way to teach them to find the amazing joy that making music can bring!

In 2016, my jazz band (JPJQ) released an album: "I Want Love." It features several songs written by my mother, Joyce Pinckney, who was a prolific composer and teacher in Western Canada, and who passed away in 2015. 

Recently, some of Mom's music (as recorded by JPJQ) has been included on 3 different podcasts/compilation recordings in the Northwest (where we'd been living for 15 years before relocating to Tucson) and I'm so delighted that her music is finding new audiences and getting the recognition that would have made her so proud.

Music teachers are relatively easy to find. Good music teachers are not. There are dozens of competent musicians who teach to try to make ends meet, but they may or may not have any particular love of (or competency with) teaching. You need to find a teacher who sees you as someone who deserves to learn; a teacher who will individualize lessons to your specific learning style and who will find ways to keep you interested and progressing. 

I love teaching. I love that moment when a student's face lights up with understanding of a new concept. And I pride myself on the fact that I get to see it often.

I'm not the "cheapest" teacher out there... not by a long shot. But I'm one of the best.

What are some specific goals you want to achieve?

What is your favorite style of music? What do you want to play?

How much time are you able to commit to lessons and practicing?