Sophia Rankin
About
I am a recent graduate from the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona with professional vocal and piano training. I was classically trained on piano from the age of six until I was fifteen, and I received vocal coaching from the university during my time as a student. I am a singer/songwriter who performs around Tucson, and I specialize in folk, rock, and pop music. I offer both voice and piano lessons to people of all ages. I would prefer if my students could travel to me, but I am able to travel to my students if need be. I am a young and personable teacher, which aids in my connection to younger students, but I am also experienced in working with people of all ages and craft my approach according the uniqueness of the student. My goal is to answer questions and educate my students about music theory, music foundations, helpful techniques and practice methods, and fundamental building blocks to enhance their musical knowledge.
I love sharing the joy of music with people who have less experience with it, especially beginners as they just enter their journey with music. As a performer, music is an integral part of my character and life and I love the opportunity to introduce more people to the happiness I find in music. If you'd like to access my music and professional performance pages, please visit www.sophiarankin.com, www.facebook.com/sophiarankinmusic, or find me on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and iTunes under "Sophia Rankin."
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I firstly work on discovering where the student left off with their training, or how quickly they adapt to new concepts. From there, I begin to introduce new basic ideas that we can build on in future lessons. An inexperienced student will begin with lessons focused on foundational techniques and topics, while more experienced students will start a bit further down the road with introductions to music theory and its role in more complex music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have ten years of classical training in piano. My primary instrument is my voice, backed by eight years of choir and two years of vocal coaching. As a performer, I do extensive research on vocal techniques and methods to stay safe and healthy, and apply this education to both my students and myself.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I like to price my lessons by the minute, therefore setting my lesson price at $30 for 30 minutes. However, if I have to travel to the student I do charge an additional $10, thus raising a thirty-minute lesson to $40 to account for travel. I am happy to negotiate 45-minute lessons as well upon request.
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked to teach piano as a favor, and a few months passed by with me only working with one student. I received a request to offer vocal lessons as well, and received another student to do just that. After this, more requests for a piano and vocal teacher arose and inspired me to create this profile.
What types of students have you worked with?
I primarily work with children or young adults, but I am also willing to work with older students. I specialize in the primary stages of music development and an introduction to music for beginners.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As a performer, I am proud to say that I have played all over Tucson at events such as Nova Bowl NYE, Dusk Music Festival, Spring Fling, Tucson Folk Festival, and more. Performing and songwriting are my passions, so teaching music is something I naturally enjoy. My band and I just released my third original album on all streaming platforms and celebrated this event with a release concert at Hotel Congress accompanied by several guest musicians. We are extremely proud of the positive press we've garnered as musicians, as well as the new creative sounds we are generating in our new work.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise students to look for connection and relatability when it comes to an instructor, tutor, or teacher. If you cannot get along with your teacher, or there is not a positive learning environment for either party, then there will be no prosperity for the music attempting to be made in the lessons. Find someone who takes the position seriously, but is willing to compromise to fit your needs and adjust lessons accordingly in order to provide the best education and experience for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Especially now, students need to consider the concerns around COVID-19 and how they would like lessons to be conducted. If students are unvaccinated, a discussion between myself and the student or the parents will be had about masks and distancing measures. I am fully vaccinated, therefore lessons with fully vaccinated students may hold a different conversation to determine each party's comfort and what safety measures to follow. Whatever teacher you choose, make sure to ask how they will accomodate your safety as well as their own as we all work together to end this pandemic.