Decatur Music Academy
About
Hello! My name is Andria Rush and I am a voice and piano teacher with a passion for seeing my students excel in vocal delivery, musicianship, and performance. I earned my Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wingate University in North Carolina. I later earned my Master of Education degree from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts.
I have over 15 years of experience in music education, and I am certified by the state of Georgia to teach music. My students have won vocal competitions, earned college scholarships, and have been admitted into various performing arts schools. In addition to being a passionate teacher, I am also a passionate performer of various styles of music.
I have worked with children as young as four years old, adults as "young" as 70 years old, and everywhere in between. I have helped students prepare to audition for elementary, middle, and high school music programs, as well as for entrance into college music programs. I have also taught students who wanted to serenade their new spouses at their weddings, as well as students who wanted to "wow" their friends at their birthday parties. I enjoy when students are able to reach their goals...the "why" that made them seek out lessons in the first place!
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new voice student, I begin with a voice consultation, during which I lead the student in singing various scales and doing a few different vocal exercises. After this, the student is asked to sing a portion of a song of their choice. This gives me an idea of the student's vocal range, as well as their current skill level. When working with a new piano student, we begin with an introductory lesson, during which the student learns the keys of the piano, as well as how to play an easy song.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Wingate University. I received by Master of Education degree from Cambridge College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pay-Per-Lesson Rates:
30 - minute lessons - $35
45 - minute lessons - $45
60 - minute lessons - $55
Monthly Lesson Rates: (These rates include four lessons per month) 30 - minute lessons - $110/month ($27.50 per lesson) 45 - minute lessons - $150/month (37.50 per lesson) 60 - minute lessons - $190/month (47.50 per lesson)
How did you get started teaching?
I have always enjoyed singing and playing piano. I also love to teach, so my decision to be a voice and piano teacher came naturally.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as four years old, adults as "young" as 70 years old, and everywhere in between. I have helped students prepare to audition for elementary, middle, and high school music programs, as well as for entrance into college music programs. I have also taught students who wanted to serenade their new spouses at their weddings, as well as students who wanted to "wow" their friends at their birthday parties.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The most recent "event" I worked on was helping one of my high school seniors prepare for college auditions. This process included teaching my student songs in German, French, Italian, and of course, English. I also helped my student to maintain vocal health through various vocal exercises and vocal care tips. Through my instruction, the student also improved his sight-singing skills. We began working together at the beginning of the school year in August, and by the time the student began auditioning at the end of April, he was putting smiles on the college professors' faces! He was offered scholarships at both of the schools where he auditioned, and will be majoring in music in the fall!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is attentive, patient, kind (yet firm), and who loves to teach! Recitals give students the opportunity to show off what they have learned, so make sure that the teacher has recitals for the students. Also, make sure that the teacher is sensitive to the needs of the student and is open to the requests of the parents.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
A few questions to consider are: -What is your music teaching experience? - How long have you been a piano/voice teacher? - Why do you enjoy teaching? - Do students have the opportunity to participate in recitals? - What characteristics make you a good teacher? - What do your students and/or their parents say about you as a teacher?