Donna Klein's Music Lessons
About
Instruction is tailored to the needs of each student. Decades of experience as a musician, songwriter, and performer, and more than 20 years as a musical guide make for a journey filled with fun and adventure! Unlocking the world of music in a way that is relevant to what the student wants to learn is essential to an experience that will last a lifetime.
I was blessed to have a music mentor who helped me become a respected songwriter and performer in the Tampa Bay area and state of Florida. He shaped me as a musician and ultimately as a mentor to other musicians. Rather than forcing me into a ‘musical box,’ he unleashed my inner musician and creative spirit. He met me where I was and together, we moved through a 15-year journey that only ended when I moved to northern Michigan in 2005.
Many of my songs were recognized for their quality on a regional and state level between 1992 and 2004.
I also founded and helped with the day-to-day operations of the Women Musicians’ Alliance during this time. Our aim was to help other independent singer/songwriters grow as artists and to help other women learn about the business side of music.
For three years before moving to Michigan, I was the host and producer of the quarterly concert series, “Keeping Company with Donna Klein.” Three other performing songwriters from around the country and Canada joined me in a Nashville round format and Q&A session. The concept was transplanted as “Donna Klein’s Song Pull” for a couple of years after I moved to Michigan.
I’ve helped young performers on stage in youth musicals as well as young ladies preparing for local pageants.
I love it when a new concept is understood or a technique is mastered, and smiles break out on both our faces! When a student brings their own creativity to a concept or technique they’re exploring, it warms my heart. When time flies by so quickly we’re both disappointed when the lesson must come to an end, I know we’re on the right track. When I see how music helps a student cope with life, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be!
The arts are part of a well-rounded life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the art of music with those who want to learn!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If a student is young and new to music, I use method books to get the basic knowledge needed to determine where we go next. Older students and those with some prior knowledge, we chart a course during the first lesson and embark on the journey.
In-person or online lessons available. I use Zoom with a super fast connection to meet online.
To get the best out of the online experience, our time together should be distraction free with little outside noise (preferably none as it severely affects sound quality).
Students who choose to meet online will use a smart phone or computer with a camera and microphone when e meet. Attaching the phone to a tripod or other similar stabilizing surface is essential as it allows me to watch your technique and guide you through your lesson successfully.
It is recommended that students age 5-7 have parental assistance during online lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied guitar and piano as a child. After a hiatus, I returned to music as a student as an adult. I was on an amazing musical journey for 15 years with my mentor, Mark Dye. Mark is a Merit Award winner from the University of South Florida and has a degree in music composition. He's an amazing songwriter, arranger, recording studio professional, and performer. I learned music theory, songwriting, arranging, and increased my skills on the guitar and piano, as well as a performer. Some of my songs have been recognized for their quality.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons last 30 or 60 minutes for individuals. Thirty-minute lessons are recommended for beginners.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching through my church. I was music director for contemporary worship and helped with music during Wednesday youth fellowship. The pastor asked if I would start group lessons in guitar if the church purchased the instruments. Kids started asking about individual lessons and the church was ok with me doing this as a side gig.
Not long after that, my music mentor asked if I was interested in teaching singing to the girls inquiring through his studio. He was responsible for helping Nick Carter develop as a young artist and once word got out, everyone wanted their child to study with him. He didn't have enough of himself to go around!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as 4 and as old as 86 when they started their musical journey. I’ve developed musical relationships with students on the autism spectrum and with Tourette’s Syndrome.