Life Music Lessons & Therapy
About
Life Music offers a variaty of services from one place, from Music Therapy group and individual sessions, to a variaty of regular and adapted lessons, music classes, and music performance services. The owner Lorie Parmalee has the state license for Creative Arts Therapists, the Music Therapy Board Certification, a MS in Music Therapy, and a dual Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and Contemporary Music Studies. She has six years experience working with the public in children through the elderly, Veterans, clients with disabilities, special needs, and even hospice and palliative care.
I love working with people, and I love playing music, and with this profession I get to do both! Come enjoy making music with me.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First we make contact and set up an initial visit. I learn what kind of lesson service you are looking for, and make sure we have access to all needed materials before our first lesson. In our first lesson or two, we see where your current skill level falls, find your vocal range for voice, and define goals to where you would like to be with your musical skills. We spend the following sessions working on these goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and hold the New York State License for Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT). For education I earned my Masters Degree of Science in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz with a minor in Psychology, as well as a dual Bachelors degree in Music Performance and Contemporary Music Studies.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Current Services & Fees:
Regular Music Lesson: $30/half hr, $35/45min, $40/1hr
Adapted Lesson: $50/half hr, $60/hr
Music Class: $25/hr
Discounts: Covid Discounted Rates at half price currently available if receiving NYS Benefits (Unemployment, SNAP, WIC). Please have a copy of your benefits card to help qualify. I am willing to work with clients on OPWDD's Self Direction Program!
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching music lessons while working on my Bachelors degrees for Music Performance and Contemporary Music Studies. It earned me extra income while continuing to learn my profession, and helped me teach others along the way with me! I have had students ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children through adults and the elderly, teaching flute, contemporary and jazz flute, guitar, and piano lessons. These include some folks with disabilities, which has helped lead to my now offered Adapted Music Lessons which use my skills and background as a Music Therapist to aid people with disabilities to learn a new instrument or expand their skills.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My first flute student was learning jazz and contemporary flute, and I remember we were listening to music by the flute player he idolized, Jethro Tull. He was imitating the decorations, tone, and sound almost perfectly, he just needed some help with the higher notes fingering and tone and increasing his range, but I remember smiling because the ear and raw talent for it was just there! The sound was dead on! We both were truly enjoying the moment, and the music! This is why I do what I do.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask them if they are willing to teach and work with your interests and style, and ask about their music education. There are many music teachers out there, a degree is not required. For those that do have degree, they may have studied very specific musical styles. Odds are there is a teacher who loves and does what you do, just keep searching until you find that match!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you have your own instrument?
Do you have any lesson books?
Can you buy lesson books or do you need to request them from the teacher?
Are you willing to commit the time, self-patience, and practice it takes to learn a new skill?
Do you have any special or adapted needs or concerns (physical restrictions or disabilties, or other diagnosis)?
Are you comfortable sharing any adapted needs with your teacher so they can work with you to address them?
Will you need or want physical assistance to play your instrument?
Will you need or want adapted lessons materials?