About
Music is my passion I have been teaching for 17 years. I have music degrees from Seton Hill Univesity and Emory University where I studied organ, piano, and voice. I perform on a regular basis.
My voice students consistently get solos, lead roles in musicals, and spots in auditioned choral groups. My piano students have won competitions. I offer assistance with professional development and public performance opportunities.
I have been making music all of my life and it has brought me a lot of joy. I love that my job allows me to pass that joy on to others.
Highlights
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Janet R.
Aidan C.
Rachelle G.
L Y.
Heather H.
Maura N.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'll ask the parent or student for info - their age, their grades in school, and if they have had prior music study. Then I'll make a recommendation for books and arrange for my local music store to ship them. I'll help the family to locate a free or affordable keyboard or piano if needed. The first lesson is designed to be very manageable for new students. I send a welcome video ahead of time introducing myself so that the student gets to play and learn more in the first lesson, and listen to me talk less.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been taking private music lessons since I was 4 years old. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in music. I've also performed steadily my entire life.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. Piano and voice lessons are $25 per half hour, billed monthly at the beginning of each month.
How did you get started teaching?
I had a handful of students while working other jobs beginning in 2003. By 2018, I realized that I loved it so much and became so skilled at it, that it is now my full-time work.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages from 3 through 86 - from very intelligent students to students who need further assistance with learning and practicing. I have worked with individuals who have different mental diagnoses - including but not limited to ADD, ADHD, ODD, autism, PTSD, clinical depression and anxiety, and more. I've also worked with adults with physical limitations, including stroke victims and people with arthritis.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was able to create a way for my students to perform a virtual recital starting in June 2020. We could not meet in person for the recital this year because of the pandemic. I am so thankful that the students did not have the opportunity taken away from them when so many people have lost opportunities due to the pandemic. I am very pleased with the technology that I'm using to present it and how well it will serve my client families.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Years of experience and education credentials make a huge difference, and also the person's reviews and asking price (many teachers charge more than they ethically should). Voice instructors are especially tricky - there are many people who teach voice lessons who are not qualified at all to teach it, and because of this, they can actually damage a student's voice by teaching improper technique or no technique. If you are seeking voice lessons for a young child, make sure that the instructor has a lot of experience teaching this age group.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Cost of lessons and books; the length of lessons and frequency of lessons that you desire; the skill level that you want to acquire (ranging from becoming a professional to lessons just being recreational) and pairing with a teacher who can help you to attain that level of playing; teacher reviews and you can ask for a recording of the teacher playing or singing (ALL people who teach should be able to do what they are teaching others to do); if you want the lessons in your home, at a studio, or virtually - or a combination of those services