About
I invest in my students and make a point to know the parents. I set my students up for success, and tailor each student's lessons to their specific goals and needs. I specialize in grade level students, yet I am more than happy to teach adults and college students as well. I teach a mix of different books and genres, including Suzuki, Essential Elements, different etude books, jazz, and Irish. Along with classical pedagogy, I often have students pick fun music to play in addition.
I highly encourage my students to participate in ECMEA and NYSSMA, and work to prepare festival solos as a goal for students. For oboe and English horn, I am able to help with college preparatory work.
I have played violin for 23 years collectively, viola for 6, oboe/English horn for 14, and flute/ for 9.
Certifications:
Bachelor's of Music Education from Buffalo State, 2017.
NYS Teacher Certification by NYS Higher Ed.
Master’s of Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, 2020.
I absolutely love seeing students click with a concept, and get enjoyment and fulfillment out of playing their instrument. I love encouraging my students to push forward and challenge themselves, and I love how much fun I have in my lessons with my kids.
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Photos and videos
Reviews
Ann W.
Danielle Z.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. Meet student and parent, and have a conversation about what they plan to accomplish in lessons.
2. Take time in the lesson to show the student the instrument, and how to care for and maintain it, if the student is brand new to the instrument.
3. Have student test out the instrument, and make a noise on it. For strings, show the bow hold and have student play open strings. For flute, get student to create proper embouchure and toot some notes through just the head joint. For saxophone, create embouchure and do some tonguing exercises on the reed with just the mouthpiece and neck. For oboe, create embouchure and peep and crow the reed by itself.
4. Assign homework as needed, usually practice setting up and taking apart the instrument, and to practice the basic sound-making as was done in lessons.
5. If a student has been played before, then have them play a little of what they've previously worked on. Help them improve parts of the piece, and then assign practicing based on what was accomplished in the lesson.
6. ALWAYS thank the student and parent for coming, and express excitement about being able to work with them!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have had my private studio for two years, and have been teaching in public schools since 2017. I have a bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo State, and a NYS Teachers' Certificate from NYS Higher Ed. I hold a Master's degree in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia.
For flute/saxophone/violin/viola/cello: beginners/intermediate players preferred. Strings curriculum includes a combination of Suzuki books and traditional method books.
For oboe/English horn: I am able and willing to teach beginners through advanced level players. Will also teach reed-making as part of the lesson, if desired (a good idea for those who are looking to go to college for music education or performance in oboe). I am able to assist with college preparation on both instruments.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For oboe/English horn:
$30/half hour, $45/45min, $50/hour
Violin, viola, flute, saxophone:
$25/half hour, $35/45min, $40/hour
Rates are different because my degree is concentrated in oboe and English horn.
"Get To Know You Policy": the first lesson is free. We will discuss your goals, and we will play a bit so I can get a feel for your skill level and how I can best help you!
How did you get started teaching?
I started my private studio with one oboe student, and was put on the summer education lists for several school districts, including Hamburg and Orchard Park.
I began teaching in public schools through substituting. That allowed me to create relationships with many different teachers all over the area, and have been referred students by some.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students with learning disabilities, students who are native to the area, and students who are from other countries. I have worked with students who want to play an instrument for fun, and students who want to make music their career. Each lesson is tailored to the students' desires and needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a 9 year old student who has played for one year, and we have been working on a relatively difficult piece for someone with her experience, and she was able to perform at her school's 5th grade graduation with her friend playing flute and her classroom teacher playing piano. Proud teacher!!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
1. Make sure the personality of your teacher is something you can work with and that makes your experience enjoyable. A teacher could be world-renown, but if your personalities aren't good fits for each other, it could be difficult!
2. Once you choose your teacher, give him or her some time to get to know you and get to know your personality, tendencies, and needs. After a few lessons, he or she should have a great handle on what you need! As teachers, we should be student-focused and aware of what you need.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. If you don't understand why a teacher is doing what she's doing, please ask! We might have certain things that seem like quirks, but they are pedagogical tools that we use to help you.
2. If you are struggling with a concept, please ask your teacher to explain it differently! All students learn differently, and knowing how you learn helps us differentiate our instruction.
3. If you've found a song you really love, and you have the music, bring it! Chances are your teacher will be more than happy to help you with it.