About
Teaching music brings me joy, and COVID has prevented me from returning to school. Helping people discover their hidden talents is something I thrive on, and the online teaching scene is my go-to! I will create whatever learning style that works best for you, including lesson books, hands-on learning tools, selecting songs that YOU want to learn, and so much more. We get into playing familiar tunes during our first lesson, and it gets better from there! Less talking, MORE playing.
Experience:
individual/small group lessons since 2008
Band, chorus, general music K-12 in public schools and private schools since 2014
Professional pianist/vocalist for Church services since 2017
Education:
Master's in Arts Teaching from Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts, United States
Bachelor's in Music Education, trombone concentration from Gordon College, Massachusetts, United States
Special skill set:
ranked top trombonist in NH All-State Festival in 2010
guest conductor for Junior Band Festival in VT in 2016
Discovery and smiles. I love when students work put in a lot of effort and struggle...and then, I get to witness the moment that they push through that challenge. Helping people brings me so much happiness, and helping students learn to make incredible music is a soulful experience. I never give up on any one because I believe wholeheartedly that my students can reach the goals we've created together.
Highlights
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Reviews
Amanda M.
Johana P.
Sophie C.
Dawn J.
Kim K.
Coleen W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. Get playing immediately
2. discuss goals (favorite songs, future plans in mind, past experiences)
3. discuss interest in reading music and review possible lesson book options
4. listening to music: spend time sharing at least one favorite song and discussing why we enjoy it
5. figure out a practice routine
6. review any skills we learned
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching in public and/or private schools since 2014. I've worked with K-12 general music, 4-12 band/instrument lessons and 5-12 chorus groups.
My Master's in Arts Teaching gives me a more intense skill-set than the average music educator because I was able to get a Master's that focused on improving my teaching skills/methods (especially working with students who have special needs)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 for 30 minutes
$55 for 1 hour
sibling/family combo price goes as followed:
2 students 30 min each $25 or 1 hour each $50
3 students 30 min each $22 or 1 hour each $48
this is not a limited number...if you have 4+, we can negotiate a price!
How did you get started teaching?
I started learing to play piano on my own when I was 3 years old, and then my family started paying for piano lessons. I've had experience taking private piano lessons for 10 years, but wasn't really happy with the situation. I was hungry for more variety, more music, and more flexibility, but all my teachers stuck to the lesson books.
Once I got into college, I dug into becoming a flexible educator who was willing to create unique plans for each person. I made sure to include music that my students actually wanted to learn, and I found effective ways to keep everyone motivated no matter what age they were.
With COVID, I don't want to risk going back into my classroom setting because I can't see how physically playing band instruments will be safe. I don't want to give up teaching, however...so online teaching is the next best option I have.
What types of students have you worked with?
Age range 5-80+
Large group sizes 50-150 students at the same time
Small group sizes 20-30
Individualized lessons
Special education: ADHD, severe autism, dyslexia, blind, non-verbal, wheel-chair bound,
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Time management: are you willing to put in the time and effort it takes to become a satisfied musician (aim for 15 to 30 minutes a day)
Creative: are you willing to embrace different ways of learning how to play music?
Goals: why do you want to learn to play music? What kind of music do you like to play and/or listen to?