Music N Pace

I like to talk with the student to get to know them, their personalities, and most importantly their goals. Although I have a lesson plan for when they start their first lesson, I wait until after meeting them to see what lesson books will be used for their individual plan of action. 

With all lessons, I incorporate not only playing but theory, history, and techniques that will help their progress. 

For wind players, I always make sure they have a solid foundation and background on not only playing but also taking care of their instrument and concentrate on technique and theory. 

I started piano lessons around the age of four, I liked to mimic what my older sisters were learning. I took piano lessons all through elementary and junior high and started taking flute lessons in the 5th grade. By my senior year in HS I was helping the other players and sections with their music and had picked up the oboe, clarinet, sax, and mellophone. 

I attended Troy State University on a music scholarship for Music Performance in Flute and Oboe and also attended PSC for Music Education. As family life evolved around me, I put a hold on my education until recently and will complete my BAS in Business Management in December 2021. 

I have played in several musicals around the Pensacola area, and have been a member of the Pensacola Civic Band since 1989, playing different instruments every five years or so. This keeps me active in different instruments and offers me an appreciation of each instrument and section of the band. I have been playing the trumpet in PCB just over 4 years. I also joined the Pensacola Bay Band a few years ago and play different instruements in that organization as well. I currently play the Bari Sax for PB Band. 
I played piano for church and was a sub for others. I also was the music director for five years at another local Catholic Church. 

For students just starting out, I recommend 30-minute lessons weekly. My standard Pricing is $100.00 per month. That includes four 30 minute lessons/one per week. I recommend 45-minute to 1 hour lessons for those older, in high school, or college level. 

I have additional rates for multiple family members, 45-minute lessons, one-hour lessons, and group lessons or ensemble lessons. 

I offer a "Welcome Discount" for the first two months of lessons. Just ask me about it. 

I started teaching while I was in High School. My band director used me as his assistant in the concert band, and I held sectionals for the different sections when needed. He also had me help individuals that needed help with their music or technique. I have been told, and always thought of myself as a natural teacher. Teaching music just gives me a wonderful experience on what I love to do.  From my high school years, into college and beyond, I enjoy teaching others and welcome the talented and not-so-talented musicians. I just ask that you have a desire to learn and a goal to get better. 

I designed and taught a Day Care Center Music program where I went around to 4 different daycares during the day and worked with the infants and toddlers in small groups. I later became a certified KinderGarten Music teacher for toddler group classes. 

I have taught piano lessons for students as young as 4 and my oldest I believe was 87. I have had many special needs students with an array of different handicaps, even working with their physical therapist for what needs they have. 

Diversity is a part of our daily lives. Life events happen, and I understand when life takes those turns. Adjustments to lessons and learning plans are just another part of those days. I adapt well to change and accept that of which we have no control. 

Although I have been in the Pensacola Civic Band for many years, my main focus has always been woodwinds. I have played clarinet for 5 of those 30 years, oboe for 6 straight years, and the remainder on flute and piccolo. In 2018 I wanted to tap into my brass playing abilities and switched to trumpet. I will dedicate my next 5 years of the Civic Band to this wonderful sounding instrument. Maybe even longer. 

I enjoy being a teacher and a performer. I come from a long line of teachers. For music, I teach many high school students and with each instrument I teach, I practice right along with them to keep up with the students levels. This keeps me practicing on different instruments and increases my playing ability in my diverse world of instruments. 

Look for quality, experience and knowledgable teachers.

Look around for the teacher that suits your personality and can offer what you are looking to get out of your musical experience. Not every teacher fits well with all students. Talk to the teacher, tell them your goals and what you want to get out of lessons. Ask the teacher about their lesson plans, education, experience.

Some teachers may be great at playing their instruments, but not everyone is great at actually teaching. Talk to them. Get to know them. 

What is the teacher's experience and qualifications?

What are the expectations of the teacher, student, and a parent if they are minor students? Do their goals line up with your own?

What are the studio policies? Don't be afraid to ask the "what-if" questions.