About
A life long love of music and the ability to connect with students of all ages and learning abilities and life experiences fuels my teaching. As a 1986 Music Education Degree graduate of Duquesne University, my greatest joy is sharing my knowledge and experience with my students. I am a multi instrumentalist, and play trumpet, rhythm guitar, bass, keys, drums, sing, and am a songwriter with 3 CDs out on all the major download sites as well as local and internet airplay, and love to see students be able to find their joy in music. I have been an instructor at the For Those About To Rock Academy in Ambridge, PA since 2009.
You can find my profile on www.forthoseabouttorockacademy.com and
https://m.facebook.com/pg/CathyStewartMusicInstructionandServices/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=1
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Talking to them and discovering their goals.Then, finding their strengths and abilities, and selecting projects that fit them with an opportunity to succeed AND enjoy what they are learning. Most importantly, discovering their learning style that will best help them achieve their goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
1986 graduate of Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Major instrument:trumpet
Played lead jazz trumpet from 1977-1982 in the West Jefferson Hills School District.
Studied trumpet with John Greenwald, Wes Ward, and Frank Ostrowski, with brass instrument instruction from Matty Shiner.
Began writing songs in 1976 and learning guitar.
Home produced first CD "Carpentry 1:01 in 2003.
Released "Originals-EP 1" in 2007 produced by Dave Hanner and Al Snyder
Released "This Beggars Ready To Ride" in 2009 produced by David Granati
Released, with critical acclaim, "Definite Maybe"in 2017 produced by David Granati and Steve Rutledge.
Began teaching voice, beginning bass, keys, and guitar at the For Those About To Rock Academy in 2009.
Extensive live performance experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Average price for individual lessons is $20/30 minutes, $30-35/1 hour, depending on location. Additional fees may be necessary if I travel more than 10 miles to teach in your home. I currently teach at my home in Jefferson Hills, and at Maplewood Studio in Ambridge.
How did you get started teaching?
Actually, thinking about it, in high school as a section leader. I was also a substitute teacher after college graduation for the West Jefferson Hills and McKeesporr School Districts. Many aspects of my life have been as an instructor in some way, from music to canine behavior to animal nutrition and health, but most rewarding, as a mom.
What types of students have you worked with?
Adult and children, some with stepping stones as ADHD and autism. I dont see disabilities, i consider them alternative abilities and adjust my teaching techniques to fit the student.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My 9 year old beginning trumpet student being selected to assist his band instructor at school. He has the social spectrum form of autism, and this is a huge step for him, just proving the ability of music to help bridge gaps and heal.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who is passionate for their craft, patient, encouraging, multi faceted, empathetic, yet not afraid to challenge you. Someone who will teach you not only from a book, but from life experience. Someone who makes work look like and feel like fun.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First, how committed am I to this?
Second, am I doing this for me, or someone else?
Third, do I want to enjoy this and have fun?