About
All of my lessons are infused with creativity, structured spontaneity, and insights I've gleaned from reading widely about the subjects I teach. For example, during Piano lessons, I frequently call upon Alexa to play recordings of a song the student is working. Another student appreciated my ability to enhance an arrangement, on the fly, while teaching her the techniques I employed to do it. I incorporate Chess lessons to help a student with dysgraphia complete his Langauge Arts homework and to help motivate a young student to practice piano.
To illustrate challenging Math concepts to elementary school students, I use apps, videos, and card and dice games, I researched in Math books and blogs. I'm also looking into how incorporating movement, stretches, and excrcises in lessons can help stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and memory.
Additionally, when a student doesn't understand something, I relentlessly search for the angle, approach, or method that helps them to see the light.
I enjoy helping students of all ages to not only better understand and apply the material but also to instill in them a passion for learning so they become lifelong learners.
I'm also invigorated by seeing the student's joy as they become more confident and adept with the material they're learning, as well as the dramatic improvements in grades and feedback they receive from their school teachers in many of their subjects -- not just the ones in which I’m tutoring them.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Rameez S.
Nicole S.
Cindy G.
Phuong-Mai B.
Carmen A.
Christine I.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask their parents and them what are their goals for working with me, what are their favorite subjects and activities, and how they enjoy learning (i.e. reading, working through questions, watching videos, computer games).
I also ask how much homework they have, in order to avoid overburdening them in an already challenging learning environment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a BA in History from Yale College, and an MS/MBA from Purdue. I have earned certificates in jazz piano and songwriting from the Dick Grove School of Music, along with a teaching certificate from Kaplan in Math and English.
To further enrich students' learning experiences, I've completed 10 courses in Psychology, including Developmental Psychology.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is on a case-by-case basis, which depends primarily on frequency and location of sessions.
How did you get started teaching?
I began tutoring in high school when the academic dean asked me to help his daughter with Math. My Freshman year in college I taught underprivileged students at a public high school in New Haven, CT.
After graduating from music school, I began offering private piano lessons to grade and high school students, in addition to substitute teaching English and Music classes at a private school in Hillsborough.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all diverse ages and proficiency with English-- ranging from 7 to 75 years of age; ESL to native speakers in English.
Most of my piano students have ranged from beginner to intermediate levels.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Select a teacher whose personality meshes with yours (i.e. laid back, serious, or detail-oriented)
Try to figure out if the teacher seems interested in your progress, and isn't just teaching to supplement their income.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time they are able to commit to practicing?
Why do they want to learn how to play the piano (to play for themselves or friends and family; play in a band; or, to keep busy)
Why are they choosing piano, as opposed to guitar, drums, violin, or singing?
What styles do they like to listen to and/or what style would they like to play?