About
Hi everyone! I am a Commercial Music, Vocal performance major at Belmont university in Nashville, TN. I have been a music educator in the Franklin/Nolensville area for over 4 years. I had the oppourtunity to intern with one of the worlds leading vocal professors, Brett manning, at his studio here in Nashville, who taught renowned singers such as keith urban, Haley Williams, and Carrie Underwood. I am a classically trainer pianist, vocalist, and guitarist. What makes me and my teaching stand out it that it is versatile and individualized. In my teaching I strive to create a comprehensive plan for each student, not just working through a book or excercise routine, but really attacking music from all angles, both mechanically and theoretically. I specialize in elementary and intermediate piano, voice, and guitar, but have extensive training in composition and theory, and so I can also teach in that facility as well! I teach at all ages and levels, particularly in voice!
What enjoy about my work is the seeing the progress that students make, especially the smiles when they complete a piece of music to the best extent they can. I also enjoy the challenge of working with new students, and designing individualistic plans for how to build new skills and develop musical knowledge. Every new student is a new adventure, and a new journey that we take together, and each one is individual and new. That is the true joy and excitement of teaching music.
Reviews
Jaime M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I first get a new student, I assess previous musical knowledge, natural talent, and their passion toward learning the instrument. Typically that is a good starting point to determine where to start development. From the first lesson, I develop a comprehensive plan to individually build the student's knowledge, and ability to use their instrument to their fullest potential. This also include genre specific training and personal interests, which are assessed on the first lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently a Commercial Music Vocal Performance major at Belmont University, where I recieve rigorous training in voice, piano, guitar, and music theory. I have studied under classical vocalist Jocelyn Fisher, a lyric coloratura soprano who won the NATS Singing Competition, singing a variety of lead roles. I recieved extensive commercial vocal training in various genres and styles under Brett Manning during an internship with him, who is a world renown vocal coach, who taught Keith Urban, Haley Williams, and Carrie Underwood. I currently study under renowned vocal teacher Henry Smiley, who taught many modern popular artists, notably Russell Dickerson among others. I have studied classical piano under Norman Zogaib, a classical pianist in Buffalo who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and conducts the Hamburg High School Chorus, as well as serves as a leading member of the New York State Music Association. As for guitar study, I studied classical guitar in high school, continuing study with the fantastic session guitarist and touring musician Nick Palmer, who has played sessions for notable artists such as Vince Gill.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically my rate is:
$40 for a half an hour lesson
$60 for a full hour lesson
If a family is seeking training in multiple areas, or for multiple children or students, I go by $60 an hour. For example, if a family wants to start one child on voice for half an hour and one on guitar for half an hour, rather than two separate $40 checks, it would only be $60 for both together.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching in high school when I began tutoring math in the tutoring academy there. I then realized my passion by taking up my first piano student shortly after. Seeing the progress that he made, and in the short amount of time we had spent together, I realized that I loved helping people realize the full talent they have. I continued to gain more students, and now have a diversified studio, with students from 6 years old all the way to 50 years old. Its never too old to start learning something that will last the rest of your life!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all backgrounds and types. Some students are very driven and active toward their practicing. However some require more motivation, particularly in the younger ages. Motivation and seeing progress is key to success in young ages, and so I work with the parents to devise a system of practice that works for them. I have worked with students of all ages, and have a very diversified studio.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am an active performer and songwriter in the Nasvhille area, and two years ago I had the opportunity to open for country star Josh Turner. I also had the oppourtunity to sing background vocals at the Ryman Auditorium for Cage the Elephant last year!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't let a teacher put you on a book or series just because "it is the best series" and "they are used to teaching it." Some students learn faster than others, and some students have different mechanisms of learning. Some more visual, some more mathematical. If you are a student, look for a teacher who will design a program for you that is INDIVIDUAL to you, not just a generic book series or classical system. Rigidity in training is the bane of progress in students, and so as a student you deserve individuality in your teaching.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals from taking lessons?
How much can I realistically practice a week?
How passionate am I about learning this new skill?
What are my specific needs and wants for learning this instrument?
What is your favorite genre of music, or desired musical path?
How can the teacher provide a pathway for you to obtain your goals?