About
I've sought a deeper understanding of the processes of learning and retention, and form a method of teaching fresh for each individual student that will best help them learn on an intuitive level- so they will have the skill forever. I strive for what is organic because it's the best way to learn a subject deeply and able to recall the information instantly, not just clumsily drill a student in a manner that (barely) gets them to simply retain the information for a few months. This is why I'm generally my students' favorite teacher- they actually learn! Some out there just teach the same rigid, ineffective way they were taught, a sign to me they're possessed by no passion to explore or create better ways to teach and to learn.
I love nothing more on this Earth than getting paid to help people improve. Actully getting paid to enrich people and send them on a path to knowledge and self-improvement... it boggles my mind, from time to time.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Joyce p.
joyce p.
Carl A.
Alex M.
N. C.
Manoj B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Having a initial lesson to see for myself what's needed, then going from there to form a lesson plan and session structure, ect.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As it says all over my profile, 13+ years taking private piano lessons myself, was in AT/AP math and reading classes all my life, an education culminating in a bachelor's with honors in broadcast journalism, and many years both public and private tutoring, all age groups.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pretty simple, $40 for a half-hour lesson, $60 for a full hour. Will take off $5 for back-to-back family lessons, e.g. 2 brothers taking half-hour lessons one after the other would be $35x2.
How did you get started teaching?
Needed a job in college, got an email about America Reads/America counts. I thought, "I love kids. I love teaching. I need a job." Then I kept doing it, and now I couldn't see myself doing any other job. Especially in college. Would've had to work in food service or something.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds. Adults, kids of all age ranges, extended families, special needs, inner-city middle schools, ESL... you name it.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I won't bore you with my recent jobs, but when tutoring in college I tutored this sassy little girl who was always ecstatic to see me ("Dillon!!!") and, in time, as eager to learn as could be. It was the first time I had someone looking up to me since my little brother, and it felt really good.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't fall prey to age discrimination. A lot of people out there think that if a private tutor doesn't have a grey beard they're not worth their salt, which is a shame. Keep an open mind and watch the tutor in action before making your judgements.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Is the tutor a good fit? Will the learning be enjoyable? What do I hope to achieve? Am I ready for this commitment? Will I allot enough time to practice or study in between lessons?