About
Every person who has never played music always wishes they had.
Anyone who began and quit always regrets this choice.
It is my aim to help students in finding not only which instrument is best for them but to help them take control over their music making. I hold a degree in Music Education with an emphasis in instrumental music. Most musicians aren't professionals but to play music is something you can do your entire life and I want to be a part of making this real for you.
My experience ranges from 4-48 years of age, currently I am accepting students 8 and above. If you are looking for lessons for a student who is nuro-atypical I also provide lessons and have experience with Autistic students as well as students with executive functioning difficulties.
My experience outside of my professional performance as an orchestra leader and performer includes a wide range of ages as well as group, ensemble, and private instruction. I have been teaching music for 15 years.
It's all I have ever done. It's my life, I've always felt the calling of education and I live the life of an artist.
The most consistent feedback I receive from parents and employers is that I was born to teach.
I have been performing for twenty years, I have obtained a degree in Music Education from San Jose State University which is the strongest institution in my field.
I also have a specialty in working with students with special needs - specifically autism and executive functioning disorders. I find great joy in working with these individuals.
Reviews
Jennifer C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson entails ensuring that the student is passionate about the type of sound the instrut they've chosen produces. We also spend time assessing the extent to which the student has developed musical knowledge. From there it depends entirely on they type of student in front of me.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a musician for twenty years and hold a Bachelors of Music in Music Education with an emphasis in instrumental music from San Jose State University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I do have standard pricing for lessons:
Half hour lessons are $30 and full hour lessons are $60. This is the standard rate for an educator with my degree of training and experience in the Sacramento, CA area.
How did you get started teaching?
It's always been natural to me. I'm very adaptable and enjoy reconsidering my knowledge in order to reach another person.
My formal experiences in education have been obtained through demonstrated ability to reach individuals on an individual level and in helping those individuals unlock their unique musicianship.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and a wide variety of backgrounds. Currently most of the families I work with are immigrants - my first generation Polish-American status has assisted me greatly in understanding these unique family dynamics.
I also work with multiple stutdents with developmental disorders: Autism, executive functioning delays, & spectrum disorders.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I work to host two recitals for my students each year. Recently I had a student who has only been playing for a couple of months playing a rather involved version of Hey Jude and the entire audience sang along. Hearing from students how they felt through this experience is personally exhilerating.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would say that you need to feel comfortable. No matter how old you are you need to be willing to trust that you can't rationalize your way through music - usually. Often adult learners wish to know and fully 'understand' before they act. This, and a belief that you are fully attuned to your learning style will slow you down.
Another word of wisdom, listen to instruments! Your child will often state they want to play an instrument because they truly don't know the names or shapes of many. Kids think a cello is a violin (they think the violin is the the one for small people). I always ask "is music about your eyes or your ears" - which upon answering children always agree to blindly listen to music before selecting an instrument. ** Pro Tip ** type in the instrument name plus the word 'Concerto' and you will find many fine examples of the instrument you are seeking with orchestral accompaniment. You will still have to guid your child toward recognizing when the solo instrument is playing.
Good luck!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Assuming we are speaking about before lessons commense you need to have an idea of how much time you can put aside for almost daily practice. Be honest! It doesn't help anyone to try to push yourself to hard to fast.
Pain/disability = speak up or we won't know how to best advocate for you and take you on yoru path.
How will you acquire an instrument? For example: do you have an internal wall in your home that isn't in a drafty room for a 'real' piano or should you get a good electric?