About
I am a classically trained pianist and vocalist from Bard College and Teachers College, Columbia University. I have received my bachelor's degrees in Theater and Music Performance in piano and voice and my masters degree in music performance and music education, with P-12 Certification from Columbia.
I have been playing piano and singing since I first learned to speak. Music has always been my #1 passion, and I consider it a gift to be able to share with others! I welcome all ages and backgrounds and beleive that no one should ever be turned away.
I have extensive training from true masters in my field, including James Bagwell (Bard College), Ilka LoMonoco (Bard College), Blair McMillen (Bard College), Eve Wolf (Columbia University) and Jeanne-Goffi Fynn (Columbia University). I am an active performer in the U.S. and abroad with most recent performances with Amore Opera and Martina Arroyo Opera of NYC.
Having taken numerous phychology and pedagogy classes at Columbia Univeristy, I have acquired the proper training to serve children and adults from all different backgrounds, and am determined to meet the needs of each individual.
I enjoy so much about the work that I do, primarily when it comes to best serving the sutdents that I work with. There is nothing like seeing progress made overtime for a student that started off not feeling 100% confident in themselves. I truly believe that it is about the process far more than the end result, and am passionate about making my students aware of their incredible progress made along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always provide new students with a "syllabus" of sorts, where we discuss together the goals that we want to establish for the time working together. My approach is very student-centered, and I am avid in making sure the student is getting the most out of their experience.
My main goals for all students is to establish healthy playing and singing, with little to no tension. I want to avoid injury at all costs, as the health and happiness of my students is my top priority.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have had extensive training from Bard College music program and conservatory of music in Annandale New York in piano and vocal performance; I have recently completed my first year (of 2) at Teachers College, Columbia University in Music & Music Education, pursuing my MA with Pre-K-12 certification.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rate for a 1-hour first lesson is $75. Normally $125. Monthly Lesson Packages are also available.
30-min: $65
45-min: $90
How did you get started teaching?
I first began teaching piano lessons when I was in high school, after volunteering as a musical director for a children's charity. I fell in love with the process of teaching students one and one and in groups and realized that I wanted to pursue this as a career.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of several different ages and backgrounds; I have worked with children and adults with disabilities, various cultural and academic backgrounds; from ages 3-30.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently participated in the "Musical Serenades," a concert series at Columbia University for beginner students in applied lessons. The enviornment for these performances is always extremely welcoming, where everyone can feel at ease with their playing or singing, no matter what level. It is a jusgment-free zone, where mistakes are accepted and there is freedom to re-start a piece of music. Two of my piano students performed, and it was amazing to see their progress and gained confidence flourish in front of my eyes.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The advice that I would offer to students looking to take piano or voice lessons would be to never be shy to voice your concerns to your teacher. In my experience, one-on-one lessons can often be intimidating and instructor-centered, where in reality, it is all about meeting the needs of the student. The right teacher will adapt their teaching methods for you, where you should always leave a lesson feeling confident and excited to continue the process.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The types of quesitons that I would encourage students to have would be to ask yourself what do YOU want to get out of this experience. Is there a song or genre of music that you've always wanted to explore, but never could? Is music an outlet for you that provides stress-relief, creativity or a type of discipline? What are your short-term and long-term goals fpr lessons? The answers to these questions will all help your teacher to create the best plan to meet your individual needs.