About
I'm a pianist, songwriter and musical theater composer with a Master of Music in Theory and Composition and a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater, and am an alumni of the famed BMI Musical Theater Workshop in New York. I studied classical piano privately for 12 years with an alumni of Oberlin Conservatory. My musical Home/Front was produced Off-Off Broadway in 2014, and many of my songs have been performed in New York, LA, and around the country.
I'm a caring, empathetic, and high knowledgeable instructor with over 10 years of experience teaching private lessons. write in. I like giving students the tools they need to be excellent, efficient musicians, pianists and songwriters so that they no longer need me!
In my songwriting lessons, we work on getting to the heart of what you want to say; how command of grammar and sentence structure can work for you; how to make your message strong and powerful; how to organize your thoughts in an effective manner, to name a few things.
We also work on chord progressions and how to use them effectively; how to get out of your musical comfort zone; how to expand on and play with a musical theme; how become more musically literate so you have more "in your bag" to pull from.
I also work with students are more straight-forward music theory - understanding it and how to transcribe your own music (and how to use Finale).
In my piano lessons, we work on building music literacy and good technique so you can not only play any song but play it beautifully.
You can see a sample of my work on www.natalielovejoymusic.com
I love when students have that "ah-ha" moment. I love seeing them improve and start really believing in themselves.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Tristan S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When first working with a new student, I like to get to know their background, musical language, and what drives them to write songs in the first place. We usually start with a song they've been working on, or one they've written in the past that they're not completely happy with, and go from there.
Sheet music isn't necessary, but I do require students provide lyric sheets and chords.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master of Music in Music Theory and Composition from New York University
Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater from The Catholic University of America
Alumni of the Lehman Engel BMI Musical Theater Workshop
Alumni of the Johnny Mercer Songwriters' Project at Northwestern University
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25/half-hour of lessons (or $50/hour). Lessons are billed on a month-to-month basis.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in 2006 as a general music teacher in a middle school, then progressed to private lessons in 2008.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a piano/voice teacher, I've worked with ages 4-adult, beginner - advanced.
As a songwriting teacher, I've worked with teenagers-adult, and have worked in musical theater, pop, folk, and classical genres.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for qualifying credentials and don't be afraid to reach out to ask for a trial lesson. I offer a trial lesson to see if it's a good fit. If it's not a good fit, don't feel you have to come back. Keep looking til you find a teacher that's good for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How are lessons organized?
Why do you like to write music? (It helps to have a teacher whose overall mission aligns with yours. For example, are you wanting to find your authentic voice as a writer, or are you wanting to become a commerical writer and write whatever sells?)
What are your background and credentials?
How much work will I need to do between lessons?