About
I've been playing piano, guitar and ukulele since 2004. Since 2012 I've mentored others in music, teaching and tutoring privately and in group classes (including a high school level piano class).
I began teaching full-time in 2017. I evaluate how each student learns. Set goals with them, and create a curriculum that is fun, exciting, and educational. Understanding how each student absorbs information requires a unique approach. It is essential to keep a student motivated and having fun to produce the best results.
I never thought I could love something as much as music, but sharing what I know and seeing how it makes other people happy is the best career path I could've chosen!
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
ashley J.
adwoa A.
deneen m H.
kenneth C.
Jeanette F.
Morgan
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The most important thing to remember is every student is different. We all learn differently, and we are all motivated in different ways.
A teacher has to ask questions and observe a students to figure out what the they needs to achieve their goals.
Adapting a lesson plan to each student is essential to keeping the learning process fun, productive, and exciting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing piano since 2004. I studied with a professor at Stetson University for a year. After I was self taught until 2012 when I took a piano class. At which I was considered advanced for. From 2012-2013 I tutored others in the class until the class ended.
In 2006 I started learning guitar. My journey began self taught. Translating what I knew from piano to the guitar. Eventually I studied guitar with several instructors from a local music studio for 2 years. Having several experts with different expertise was very insightful. It allowed me access to different areas of knowledge which I can now share with my students!
Tutoring other students one on one in that piano class is where my passion for teaching started.
In 2017 I began teaching professionally initially on my own then soon after for a local music studio. I have taught 100s of students since then. All varying in learning styles, age, and experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30.00 - 30 Minute Lesson (Typically where most students start)
$45.00 - 45 Minute Lesson (For those who need a more guided approach, and tend to ask more questions).
$60.00 - 60 Minute Lesson (Perfect for someone who absorbs a lot of information, has lots of questions, and likes to tackle multiple sub-topics).
All students are billed monthly on the first for the combined total of all lessons in the month.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching when still in school. I was in a piano class (mainly since I had experience I knew it'd be a good refresher course). The basics of piano were still pretty fresh in my mind as I practiced regularly. So after being able to complete assignments and play as well as our teacher I was asked to tutor other students. So I would spend class, or lunch periods helping other piano students one on one or in small groups. I found it to be very rewarding so I started teaching a few more students on my own outside of school.
About 4 years after graduating high school I decided to go into the music industry. I started teaching piano and guitar privately on my own. After a few months of this I was hired by a local performing arts school to teach guitar, piano, and ukulele. About a year after I had the best feedback of any music teacher in the school. I was then hired to oversee operations of lesson quality. After a little over 2 years I left the school and continued teaching on my own.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages, and experience levels. I've also spent time teaching kids and adults with Autism, ADD, and ADHD. As well as a few with developmental and learning disabilities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently I've had a student who has been struggling with the motivation to practice. After a short discussion and finding some music the student is more interested in practicing she has been excelling. Putting time not only into her chosen pieces, but also her regular material as well. It has been extremely nice seeing her interest sparked again.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't settle. If you're not hitting it off with your teacher, don't be afraid to find someone who keeps you motivated and passionate. A teacher can be a great teacher, but every student needs to find their great teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be sure you know the answer to these questions!
What do I want to accomplish learning the instrument?
Do I have knowledge in a different area that can translate or help me when learning my instrument?
Am I someone who needs a very hands on experience or just some coaching when I've hit a wall in learning?
Will learning this make me happy, and how can I stay happy and excited while learning?