About
⭐️ Based in California | Performer & Songwriter ⭐️ 50-Minute Private & Group Sessions ⭐️ Virtual Services by Apple Certified Macintosh Technician ⚠️ SPECIAL OFFER for EXPRESS: $367.67 per month until June 30, 2023! ⭐️ Offering Students Opportunities to Succeed 🧞♀️ Our studio philosophy: Passion...Practice...Progress...Professionalism!
I enjoy teaching students who already have the PASSION for music. I work with students who have goals such as learning how to read music, preparing for talent shows, taking music lessons as part of their home-schooling music curriculum, writing and recording their own songs, and I also teach in public schools. I am currently teaching at Antelope Valley College.
In December 2022, I served as an adjudicator for the National Association of Teachers of Singing Cal-Western auditions. I got to hear 13 talented singers and provide them with valuable feedback to help them grow and succeed. Then I found out that two of my own students made it into the semi-finals! 🤩
In April 2022, one of my youngest students (6 years old) received Second Place in the Music Teachers’ Association of California Composers Today State Contest for her piano composition. She had been taking piano and voice lessons for just over a year. In addition, I also achieved Third Place in the teacher advanced composition category for my song “Wistful.”
In 2019-20 one of my piano students achieved the Celebration of Excellence for the Royal Conservatory of Music for the Southern California Region...TWICE! :) His family and I are so proud! This designation is reserved only for students who receive 93% or higher on their examinations. It took only four months in between each exam for him.
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Eric W.
Angela N.
Patricia V.
Sandra N.
Michael G.
Christopher F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to talk to families and students before starting the lessons. I may ask questions such as if the student has taken lessons before, how much experience on the instrument they have, and what their goals are with lessons and musical growth. It is important for me to make sure that the lessons are a good fit for everyone–communication and rapport are both key! I will even be happy to give you referrals if I know a better that is available.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
• Master of Fine Arts in Music Performance & Composition from • California Institute of the Arts • Bachelor of Jazz Music Studies from Vancouver Island University • Apple Certified Macintosh Technician • Nationally Certified Teacher of Music • Royal Conservatory Certified Teacher • Member of the American Federation of Musicians • Member of the Music Teachers National Association • Active Teaching Artist in the Ventura County Arts Council’s Artists in the Classroom program • Teach Music Online Certified Online Music Teacher
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
⭐️ Two types of billing: 1️⃣ initial sessions or extra lessons (billed a là carte) 2️⃣ monthly tuition plans (sessions held weekly & billed monthly) ⭐️ INITIAL SESSIONS OR EXTRA LESSONS (3 options): 1️⃣ $35 or $25 (first rate is for new students, second is for current students). • Video or audio recording evaluation: send me an audio or video recording and receive professional feedback on your performance. • Other option is to use this for a LIVE group session via Zoom. 2️⃣ $100 for 50 minutes for a PRIVATE session • Live private session held via Zoom. 3️⃣ $50 for 50 minutes for a GROUP session • Live group session held via Zoom. ⭐️ A NO charge virtual studio visit is also available during select times. ⭐️ MONTHLY TUITION PLANS: 1️⃣ Basic @ $125 per month (50 group minutes per week) 2️⃣ Express @ $400 per month (50 private minutes once per week, live via Zoom) ⚠️ SPECIAL OFFER for EXPRESS: $367.67 per month until June 30, 2023! 3️⃣ Full @ $491.67 per month (50 private minutes once per week AND 50 group session minutes total per week, live via Zoom) ⭐️ Recurring lessons are billed as monthly tuition with lessons held almost every week (44 weeks of the year). ⭐️ TO HIRE ME AS A TEACHER: Monthly tuition plans start at $125 per month and include group workshops and recitals held almost every moth on select Saturdays. ⭐️ LIVE office hours are available at NO charge on select Mondays. ⭐️ TO HIRE ME AS A PERFORMER: In-person performances start at $200 per hour depending on location; virtual performances are the same rate as virtual music lessons. ⭐️ ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING is also available. 💳2023 REGISTRATION FEE (for monthly music lesson tuition plans only): • A $30 non-refundable registration fee applies to the first invoice. • For returning students who have not had a lesson in the last 30 days the registration fee applies again. • The registration fee is applied in addition to the first month of lessons. • A $15 recital fee is due the first week of June from all students to cover the costs of printing programs and setting up recitals. • Additional fees are required for participation in other local, state, and national music events. • For students who would like to register in the Express and Full plans, a $25.00 recital fee for the year will also apply.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been ambitious in writing and performing my whole life. In my early years I studied classical piano in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Through those RCM studies I entered my compositions in national songwriting contests and won second place in Canada Music Week. I attended university for music, immersing my life in my music passion. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (Vancouver Island University) and went on to achieve my Master’s of Fine Arts in Music (California Institute of the Arts).
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach students who already have the PASSION for music. I work with students who have goals such as learning how to read music, preparing for talent shows, taking music lessons as part of their home-schooling music curriculum, writing and recording their own songs, and I also teach in public schools. I am currently teaching at Antelope Valley College.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In December 2022, I served as an adjudicator for the National Association of Teachers of Singing Cal-Western auditions. I got to hear 13 talented singers and provide them with valuable feedback to help them grow and succeed. Then I found out that two of my own students made it into the semi-finals! 🤩 (Update: one of them made it to the finals and was awarded Second Place! 🏆)
In April 2022, one of my youngest students (6 years old) received Second Place in the Music Teachers’ Association of California Composers Today State Contest for her piano composition. She had been taking piano and voice lessons for just over a year. In addition, I also achieved Third Place in the teacher advanced composition category for my song “Wistful.”
In 2019-20 one of my piano students achieved the Celebration of Excellence for the Royal Conservatory of Music for the Southern California Region...TWICE! :) His family and I are so proud! This designation is reserved only for students who receive 93% or higher on their examinations. It took only four months in between each exam for him.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that you ask many questions and be sure that you select a professional who is credentialed (has a music degree or other teaching credential), and that you are comfortable with the demeanor and personality of the instructor. A dedicated private music teacher who is committed to teaching will often be a member of a music teachers association; I highly recommend that you check if the teacher is part of organizations such the Music Teachers National Association or a state organization for music teachers. If you are a parent or guardian of the student it is important that you have the opportunity to sit in during your child's lessons. It is important that the teacher is able to communicate with both you and your child on things like practice and progress. Don't be afraid to ask for a background check verification!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What instruments do you teach?
How long have you been playing?
What are your specialties/genres?
What age groups do you teach?
Are you Nationally Certified by the Music Teachers National Association?
⭐️ For more questions, I recommend that you refer to the article "Choosing a Music Teacher" by the Music Teachers National Association.