About
I have a passion for music and teaching. I enjoy teaching children of all ages and making music learning a fun experience. I offer 2-3 recitals a year for students to work towards as well as listen to and experience other students and pieces of music that can inspire and motivate. I understand that every student is different and I take an interest in getting to know the student and their goals and helping them to achieve their goals in music.
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BIO
Monica received her Bachelor’s degree in piano performance at CSU Sacramento. She has enjoyed solo as well as collaborative performances with instrumentalists and vocalists. Along with her piano studies at CSUS, Monica spent time studying harpsichord as well as performing and touring with the baroque ensemble Camerata Capistrano under the direction of Dr Lorna Peters. She has received training in piano pedagogy and is a certified teacher of the Harmony Road Music program. Monica is a member of the Music Teacher's Association of California and National Guild of Piano Teachers. Monica has taught piano both in private and group class settings at Music Stream center Davis from 2012-2017. From 2015-2017, Monica was a Piano Instructor at Natomas School of music. She has a passion for teaching and considers sharing music in this way to be most rewarding. Composing has also been a part of Monica's enjoyment. She has studied composition with Joe Gilman and Stephen Blumberg. Since 2015, Monica continues to study the organ and is the substitute organist at The Christian Life Center in Roseville CA. She is also a member of the American Guild of Organists. Monica’s desire is to give others the opportunity to experience and connect with the beauty of music and its countless offerings.
What I enjoy most about teaching is watching students blossom in their musical abilities and seeing them experience the joy of music in their lives. I consider it a great privilege to be able share and pass on my passion of music with others. It's a wonderful job that I find never loses excitement. Every child is different and every experience everyday that I teach is a new one and I am constantly learning as a teacher. What more could I ask for in a job!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to begin with the Faber Piano Adventures Method books for young beginners. We start with the very basics such as finger numbers, hand shape, and understanding the piano and keys, high, low and middle. We start with simple songs and rhythms.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied piano performance and composition at American River College where I received an A.A. degree. I then went to CSUS where I received my bachelors in piano performance. I have been teaching for about 8 years. I currently teach Group and private lesson at Music Stream Center in Davis as well as private lessons at Natomas School of Music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 per 30 minute weekly lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I first became interested in teaching when I myself was learning piano for many years and my little brother who was 4 would go over to the piano at our home and pluck around on the keys. I saw his interest and began teaching him myself. This experience sparked my interest and desire to teach children, which has become my passion.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children of all ages and abilities. I really enjoy teaching children. I have learned to be able to change my teaching technique and style in order to fit each students need and learning styles.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I always enjoy when I the teacher, get a chance to learn from my students. I love to learn new ways of teaching and approaching concepts and ideas. Many times, it is from my students themselves and their creative ideas or ways of thinking that give me a different perspective or way of understanding and teaching. This has helped to improve and mold my teaching to be what it is today. I recently was so happy and proud at my students recital watching and listening to them all play. Seeing their progress, growth, improvement and excitement is what teaching is all about.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend the parent to set up a time so we can all meet in person and be able to get to know each other a little bit as well as answer questions. I also offer on this first visit a mini trial lesson for the student. This gives the student/parent and myself as the teacher an idea of each other and to see if we are good fit.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What will the teacher require of me? Why am I intersted in learning this instrument? What are my goals with learning this instrument? What do I see myself doing in the future with this instrument and learning music?