About
I have always enjoyed music and I have always enjoyed teaching, so naturally, I love my job as a private music instructor. I have been a piano instructor since I was in high school, and while in college I was a private music tutor for all music theory courses. As a graduate student at Ohio University, I taught private tuba lessons, and was responsible for teaching courses in music theory and ear-training/sight-singing. While doing doctoral work at Indiana Unitversity, I was responsible for writing my own curriculum, including a workbook with accompanying audio tapes. I had as many as six graduate assistants under my tutelage .
That I get to do the two things I enjoy the most (teaching and music) as a vocation. Also, I enjoy being "on the go," as I travel from home to home teaching students of all ages.
Highlights
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Specialties
Instrument(s)
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Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
Remona G.
Tosha O.
Janice C.
Remona G.
Janice C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start out getting to know a little about the student. I like to know their school interests and extracurricular activities. For school-age students, if permitted, I like to open up the lesson with a short prayer. I do this because as a Christian, I believe God has given me each and every student that I acquire. To me, my music is not just a profession, but also a ministry.
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What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in Music Theory. My principal instruments in college were piano and tuba.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minutes: $25
45 minutes: $38
If I travel to your home, the travel fee is based on the mileage from my home to yours. 0 to 3 miles = $3, 3.1 to 7 miles =$5, 7.1 to 10 miles =$7 per trip. Greater distances determined on an individual basis.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was still in high school. I usually had about 6 students. The money I earned from these lessons helped me to buy my first (used) car that I used to commute to college.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages, from 4 years old (including one currently) to senior citizens (including 3 currently who are in their 60's and 70's).
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was recently able to purchase a baby grand piano. I have always wanted to have a grand of some type in my home, and even though it took longer to acquire one that I would have hoped, I am very happy to have one now to play and for teaching.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who is genuinely "a teacher." I try to find that niche with the student in which I am not just a friend who might be afraid to show necessary criticism, but also not just a pedagogue who has no sense of compassion, humor, or sensitivity.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students don't usually ask questions openly in private music lessons. However, those that do, do so because they have developed a sense of comfort and assurance in working with me over a period of time. They feel more comfortable in asking questions after they realize I am transparent with them, that I also have vulnerabilities, that I also make mistakes. Therefore, they don't have to think of me as being on an unattainable plateau above them.