About
I have thirteen years of experience in private music education. During this time I have cultivated a teaching style which allows me to adapt the material and learning style to each student based on their needs, ability and goals. When students first begin lessons we talk about why they are taking lessons and what goals they have in mind for themselves. This information is used to create a curriculum which benefits the student and keeps them on track with the foundations of music while accomplishing their personal goals.
This level of personalized attention and material means that students do not need to struggle with material to a point of discouragement. Making goals accessible is often about breaking them down into bite sized pieces so students can digest the material rather than wolf it down. This takes flexibility from the teacher, determination from the student and solid communication during lessons.
My favorite part of the job is the "Aha!" moment. The moment when a song makes sense, a technique is understood and used properly, or a question that shows comprehension is asked. I accept students of all ages and ability levels and have worked with everyone from toddlers to retired individuals, this wide range of student ages and abilities has made for a adaptive teaching style that focuses on student success.
One of my favorite compliments has been having a parent reach out to me to say that her teenage daughter turns to the piano when she is stressed. That student feels so confident in her abilities as a musician that the piano bench has become her safe haven. My goal is for all of my students to love music and feel accomplished.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Marianna S.
Sally V.
Patti H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I ask a lot of questions. Students of all ages have been exposed to music so I ask questions my students to explain their experience with music thus far and have them demonstrate their musical abilities for me.
After our first lesson, we begin forming solid goals to work towards together. This leads to us selecting the materials we will need during our lessons and gives me an opportunity to gather curriculum geared towards my students goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a bachelors degree from Wilmington College in Liberal Studies and Music and an associates degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. In 2009, I completed a Teaching Professions program through Penta Career Center where I learned about teaching and learning styles, student assessment, classroom management and was able to be placed in several music classrooms as a student teacher.
My time in the classroom combined with my thirteen years of experience as a private music instructor has allowed me to cultivate an online music studio that makes music accessable to any student who wants to learn.
How did you get started teaching?
My senior year of highschool I took part in a program which allowed me to begin my college education in high school. I enrolled in the Teaching Professions program at PENTA Career Center and spent my mornings taking high school classes at Perrysburg High School and my afternoons in various music classrooms as a student teacher. I spent 9 weeks teaching Elementary Music, 9 weeks teaching Elementary Orchestra, 9 weeks teaching junior high choir and 9 weeks teaching high school choir. Each classroom offered me many opportunites to grow as a teacher and started what would be a life long career in music education.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A student should look for a teacher who inspires them to learn. Many people can name bad experiences they have had with disinterested educators and it is unfortunate. To mitigate that, students should look for an instructor they feel they can communicate well with and who is interested in the student's success.
The purpose of taking private lessons is to best educate the student enrolled in the lessons. Finding an teacher who has an approach to teaching which works well with the students learning style is very important. Take a trial lesson and "test out" your teacher! You will learn something from most teachers you take a lesson with, but you will go far with the right teacher.