About
MUSIC
Because I have worked for many years as a musician, song-writer, and teacher, I am uniquely poised to take musical concepts and find the best way to break them down for students. I enjoy teaching and I enjoy getting to know my students and helping them achieve their goals.
LANGUAGE TUTORING
I started out teaching writing to college students and then became an elementary teacher with a specialization in Language Arts. I also taught ESL in the Czech republic as well as online for many years. and I have my TEFL certificate. These experiences have shown me the reading and writing process across every stage of development, from the earliest readers and English learners to University-level writers. I especially enjoy working with ESL learners and early or struggling readers. I have a lot of experience working with kids with LDs around reading, and I use many Wilson and Orton Gillingham methods.
I believe masterful language broadens and deepens our connections to other humans in important ways. And I believe in empowering my students so that they feel, not only capable, but joyfully masterful in their use of English.
My favorite part of teaching is learning what makes each student tick, what they love, how they learn. We play! We have fun! And we figure out together how to get the most out of practice time to meet that student's learning objectives.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
naomi G.
allee H.
Terrie P.
Lindsay B.
Adam R.
Susan R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
During our first lesson, we talk about the student's goals. We set out a few specific, measureable goals and a loose timetable.
For music, I always ask new students to bring a song or two that they would like to learn. Then we dive right in! Playing an instrument is about 20% brain work and 80% muscle memory. We learn by doing.
For ESL, I do an assessment to figure out where the student is in their learning process, and then we make a plan to maximize learning. I love teaching ESL online because I’ve mastered the use of the camera to keep things interesting and fun. Of course, this is all geared to the students’ age and level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a liscensed Music Together teacher. I've been teaching elementary and middle-school-aged students language arts, music and ESL for 25 years. I have a BA in English/Creative Writing and an MFA in Creative Writing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30/half hour lesson
$60/hour-long lesson
How did you get started teaching?
I've been teaching since I was myself a high school student! My first job was teaching toddler gymnastics, and in high school I helped teach drama classes at the children's theatre where I took classes. Teaching music lessons is a natural offshoot of my life as a musician and classroom teacher.
What types of students have you worked with?
For music, I've worked with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with their parents and caretakers. I've worked with elementary-aged students -- absolute beginners -- learning guitar and ukulele. And I have worked with older students and adults who already have playing experience to expand their repetoires, music knowledge, strums and strokes, and chord vocabularies.
For language learning, I have worked with all ages. I especially love working with ESL students and early or struggling readers.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Since moving to Chattanooga, I'm very fond of Nightfall. I love the variety of music and the happy vibes downtown! I also love the Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival and music festivals in general.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The only way to learn a musical instrument is to actually play it. Learning to play music is 20% brainpower and 80% muscle memory. The most important thing you can do is put your hands on your instrument every day!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Am I willing to dedicate 10 to 30 minutes to this musical adventure every day?