Offers online services
About
I like to instill a love of music with my students, and pay close attention to their interests and needs. I am very patient with students and am always looking for new ways to connect with each student. I provide lessons which sometime include computer games to assist in the learning process. My instruction fee is reasonable.
I enjoy getting to know their personalities and interests. It is a joy to watch each student's music abilities grow. I certainly love interacting with each student as well as their parents or guardians, as lessons are actually a family affair. I’m flexible with hours as needed. My best reward is seeing students’ faces when they reach that shining moment of understanding.
Music has been my passion since childhood and love sharing that passion with my students.
Highlights
Hired 14 times
1 employee
25 years in business
Serves Spring Valley , CA
Offers online services
Specialties
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Student can read music, Student cannot read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Student has instrument
Students who have a piano, Students who have a keyboard, Students who have neither
Interested musical styles
Classical, Jazz, Pop, I can make recommendations
Reviews
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EUGENIO C.
Laura is really knowledgeable. Very patient and knows how to push you without overwhelming you. Ive learned a lot in the few weeks since I started with her.
September 10, 2019
•Hired on Lessons
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Angel M.
Her patience is appreciated because I have a son that is slight autistic. I believe it’s too soon to rate Laura in my opinion
February 03, 2019
•Hired on Lessons
PD
Pete D.
I really just cant say enough about how pleased I am with Laura. My daughters (8&9) have been taking lessons for over a year now. She is very reasonably priced especially for individual lessons. I personally like that she has been incedribly focused on the core of piano playing. Posture, finger placements, etc. She puts a big focus on reading the music and explaining what all the little marks on the sheet music mean. I really like this approach. Other places teach songs which allow the player to sound great right away, but then they learn bad habits and struggle as they try to advance. Laura is very technical right from the beginning but breaks it down into approachable segments based on each individual students abilities. She has been teaching for many years and you can tell it is a passion and a joy for her. Like I said, could not be more pleased and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to get their child started in music.
March 21, 2018
JM
Josie M.
My son suffers from ADD and Laura has been very acomodating with him. She has been Extremely patient and very creative with techniques to help him advance. Her musical knowledge is amazing and the way she inculcates it in her students is truly refreshing to them. My son absolutely enjoys and looks forward to attending class every week!
February 13, 2018
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I meet with the student and evaluate abilities. In the first meeting(s) become familiar with each student’s interests and prepare lessons that will suit them best. I also like to meet with the parents to explain what my recommendations regarding practice times and methods.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Music from San Diego State University. I also have taken years of piano studies, as well as college courses that pertain to instruments that I teach. I also have years of experience as an accompanist, church pianist and music instructor for classroom music. I have been teaching for 25 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing is $30 for a 30 minute lesson, $45 for 45 minute lesson and $60 for an hour lesson. I believe this is a reasonable based on my experience and education.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching in 1998 when a friend asked me to teach her four year old daughter piano. I followed the methodology of my piano professor because it included not only learning to play, but also included technique studies as well as performance studies. I then started teaching at a private school and at one point had almost 40 students - piano, violin and guitar.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages, with the youngest being four years old . I believe that anyone who has the desire to learn can truly succeed. I have had a few special needs students and follow the same principle of making lessons interesting and enjoyable. Most students are willing to learn and I tailor lessons based on their interests and abilities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A student that at first seemed a bit reluctant but after a bit of time, became inspired and then began making a double effort to learn. It truly shows because she is learning new techniques so brilliantly. I am happy to see her smiling face when she reaches her goal. Of course, each gets a special sticker(s) as a reward for their efforts.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would like students to have an open mind and be ready to learn. It is very important that the student and parents trust the teacher’s abilities and methods in learning. Trust is very important. The student should feel comfortable with the teacher and the teacher should be patient while teaching. Each student has a different way of learning. I take into account each student’s needs and abilities. Of course, each student should be willing to practice. Students could begin by practicing 15 - 30 minutes a day, then gradually increasing practice time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should evaluate what their goals when it comes to learning music and their instrument. Also, they should understand that a commitment to practicing is essential.
Services offered
Piano
Violin
Clarinet