About
I am passionate about providing dedicated students with the opportunity to study music in an intimate setting. I have a deep love for jazz and want my students to foster an understanding and appreciation for all genres of music. I have 2 Bachelor's degrees in Music and Psychology from The Ohio State University. At OSU, I performed in various combos, big bands, and in the marching band. In school I studied with world class jazz faculty and continue to grow and develop as a musician and a teacher every day.
I love playing and studying music, and it's something I believe anyone and everyone can benefit from. I plan to pursue a career in Music Therapy, so the idea that music is a universal tool for healing and a wholistic human experience is truly important to me. I want to help others find their passion in music the way I did, and I love giving others the gift of music through education.
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Rachel L.
Jerrad C.
Shannon S.
Aaron M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first identify the student's strenghts, weaknesses, and personal goals. Then I help tailor an individualized plan to foster their strengths, work on their weaknesses, and achieve their short term and long term goals efficiently. I believe in tone, technique, and fundamental knowledge of the instruments. I strive to give my students a wholesome experience and tools for long term success musically.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have Bachelor's degrees in Music and Psychology, and I have been studying music since I was about 8 years old. I have been involved in band programs from 6th grade all the way to my collegiate career. I have studied flute and saxophone with Shawn "Thunder" Wallace, trumpet and flugelhorn with Anthony J. Stanco, and piano with Patsy Rabinowitz. I have taken many music theory and aural training courses at Ohio State, along with improvisation and composition courses in the jazz department. I have a wide range of knowledge and a strong background to teach new and intermediate students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30 an hour and $15 for 30 minutes. However, this can be negotiable if a student really wants to learn but cannot afford these prices.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching during my senior year as an undergraduate music student because I wanted to gain experience working with new musicians, and because I had a strong passion to share my knowledge and love for my instruments with others. I have continued to maintain teaching weekly lessons post graduation.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with beginner to intermediate students on flute, trumpet, and piano. I have students ranging from middle school all the way to adults in their 50s. I have taught students who picked up a new instrument for the first time, students who have never read music or played any instrument, and students who had years of experience but were looking to improve. I am always looking for ways to improve as a teacher and love new students of any background or any age!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, my aunt gave me concert tickets to see Straight No Chaser as a graduation present. This was one of the greatest and most inspirational performances I have been to! This is an acapella group that all went to Indiana University and got a record deal after they went viral on YouTube for a Christmas song they performed during a recital. Their concert was so incredible and well put together, so humorous and genuine, and so harmonious and soulful. Their passion for music is so evident, and their love for what they do just resonates off of them. It was so inspiring to see them live and to know their backstory and the hard work and dedication it has taken them to get to the place they are at today. It made me remember why I love music so much and why I want to continue learning and growing and sharing my knowledge and passion with others!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would encourage them to find the perfect fit because everyone's teaching style and goals for their student are different. Ask your potential teacher questions before hiring them and gather some insight on if your personalities will mesh well. Talk to them about your intentions and goals so that they know this going into lessons with you. If you feel that the person you contacted doesn't align with your ideals, keep searching because there are so many quality music teachers out there looking for students like you!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask themselves what drove them to seek out musical lessons and what inspires them to study and play music. Here are some questions I would ask myself in this situation:
- What do I love about music?
- Why do I want to take private lessons rather than self teaching?
- What are my long term goals with the instrument?
- Do I want to play seriously (major in music, join a prestigious group, etc.) or do I want to learn more casually (play with friends and family)?
- What kind of music do I enjoy listening to and what am I excited to learn?
- What do I struggle with that could use the most attention? (tone, technique, theory knowledge, aural skills, sight reading, etc.)