About
I have a very patient, calm, and encouraging approach rooted in positive motivation. I am able to adapt very quickly to any teaching situation and adjust accordingly. I make every class, lesson, or tutoring session feel like it is the most important part of our day, because it is! This has come with over two decades of teaching experience as a certified instructor.
I have been professionally certified in K-12 Music as well as General Education for 23 years. I offer tutoring in music and a variety of other areas.
Learn more by visiting my website: www.brasstenor.com
My favorite part about teaching is interacting with people - students, colleagues, parents, families, and members of the community. I consider it a privilege to teach: the ability to share my knowledge with others, the challenge of figuring out and adjusting what does and does not work during a lesson, and watching the development of those under my tutelage. Every day is a new day. If we have a bad day, we have a chance to learn from our mistakes and do it over the next day.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Because every person is completely different and making a connection with a new tutor or instructor is so important, here is my typical process:
1) Establish a rapport between the student and myself to make everyone feel comfortable. This will include questions about interests outside of music, because music is only one part of our lives.
2) Find out the musical goals and aspirations of the student.
3) During the first lesson, I do a lot of listening to properly assess the current musical status of the student (instead of speaking and demonstrating).
4) I provide a comprehensive review of the entire lesson at its conclusion.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
* Bachelor of Music from Wilkes University (Double Major: Music Education (instrumental) and Voice Performance)
* Presently enrolled in studies towards Master of Music Education degree at Liberty University (Anticipated completion date: August 2019)
* New Jersey public school music educator and private lesson instructor for 23 years
* Teaching experience includes: PreK-12 Instrumental, Choral, and General Music to over 11,000 students
* Master teacher workshops/clinics at various music conferences
* Active performer on brass instruments and voice
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are available in 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minute increments. Rates vary by location and nature of lesson. SKype lessons are also available.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at age 15 in my hometown summer music program where I voluntarily worked as a teacher's assistant with classes of young trumpet players. Since that summer, I became hooked and haven't looked back!
What types of students have you worked with?
Elementary through Senior Citizen; Special needs (ADHD, 504, IEP); Professional-level talent. I have helped students of every conceivable age and ability level achieve GREAT SUCCESS by creating lessons to maximize their potential.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Receiving a video from students in an at-risk community to convey the impact I had on them in music and life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is critically important that you make a strong connection with any teacher. Credentials mean absolutely nothing if the instructor cannot communicate effectively. Be sure that the potential teacher is still growing and learning. I personally commit a minimum of two hours a day to improve musical and non-musical things about myself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be extremely honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and share that information with your instructor.Don't leave out important details.
Think about your favorite things about music as a whole, musical genre preferences, music-reading ability, sense of rhythm, etc.