Sophie's Music Studio
About
My journey in music has been an incredible one, and it is always changing and evolving as I encounter new opportunities and meet new people. Music has always been an important part of my life. I received my first personal radio when I was five years old and instantly fell in love with classical music and opera; I would dance to it and pretend to conduct big orchestras as I listened. I know that I wanted music to always be a part of my life.
My brothers and sisters all started learning to play the piano, and I desperately wanted to learn too, but my mom decided from experience that she would have me wait until I turned eight before she had me take piano lessons. I took lessons off and on from that time on from Patsy Nelson, an experienced and very talented pianist and musician. There were many times that I was frustrated with coordination challenges or difficult pieces, but I wanted so badly to make music that I stuck with it even though it was sometimes frustrating. I learned persistence and patience as I practiced and watched those traits pay off as I grew in skill and ability. Choir was a huge part of my education. I participated in advanced ensembles throughout junior high under the direction of Mrs. Rachel Brooksby and high school under the direction of Mr. Justin Bills and eventually, university, under the direction of Dr. Scott Anderson. Originally, when I began my higher education at Idaho State University, I planned on studying Agronomy, but with a little bit of persuasion from the music professors, I decided to go for my real dream: music. My experience at ISU was phenomenal! I grew more than I imagined I ever could under the direction of the pianist Mark Niewirth and my voice teacher Kathleen Lane, both gifted and extremely intelligent artists. Throughout the years, I have had several opportunities to teach piano lessons and voice lessons as well as do some ear training and music theory tutoring. While at ISU, I was the assistant as well as a teacher for the Vocal Preparatory Program. Now, I have a Bachelor’s in Music Education and I am looking forward to teaching music professionally. This summer music studio is an exciting kickoff to my career as a graduated musician and teacher!
My goal as a teacher is to challenge students to reach their potential through technical and musical training that adheres to goals set by students. I am here to work with you and your individual strengths and goals!
Find me on Facebook at: @sophiesmusicstudio
Learn more about the summer workshop at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hv3sMI2E-j4hehM0s_NnxVK9cm8OG3GFdSPNluw_rDY/edit?fbclid=IwAR3WY2FLbwPj2GMOI1I7sgZwfDbuw7nFKk92iw4zex5x86pDd_5zPrTP0Go
I love seeing the lightbulb light up when students make a new discovery! Learning and growing is such a rewarding experience and having a part in that is such an honor. Besides that, we are talking about music here! There is nothing that can replace music and its ability to bring peace, healing, express emotion, communicate ideas, challenge, and delight.
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Experience level
Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Reviews
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Adam M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
LESSON 1 (or a pre lesson video chat): Establish goals and expectations, identify student skills and level, and get to know each other
LESSON 2: Select repertoire with the teacher and learn how to establish good practicing skills
SUBSEQUENT LESSONS: Work on technical drills/warmups, review current repertoire, explore topics that the student is interested in, then the student is given assignments to work on until the next lesson.
NOTE: I believe in a well rounded musical education, which means that if you are a voice student, I may teach you some basic piano and theory skills. I am here to help you, so I want lessons to be tailored to students' goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's degree in music education (emphasis in voice)
2 years teaching for the Vocal Preparatory Program at ISU
4 years of experience accompanying voice and theater students
4 years of experience tutoring music theory, aural skills, and form and analysis
14 years in various choirs
16 years of experience playing piano
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
How did you get started teaching?
Throughout elementary school and high school, I helped tutor students and learned that I loved to help others learn! When I began my program at ISU, I started taking on some students privately and also signed up to tutor music classes. I loved it so much that I decided that I want to do it full time!
What types of students have you worked with?
Piano students: I have worked with students from ages 4- my age. I have had a range of students, from brand new beginners to intermediate students.
Voice students: I have worked with both male and female students ranging in age from 8-22. While most of my students focused on classical singing, I did do some musical theater. Most of these students were beginners, but some had a few years of experience.
Theory and aural skills students: I have tutored students aged 18-63 with basic to advanced knowledge.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Choir Concerts! I love choir concerts! My favorite was one by Voces8!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you are committed to learning. The more desire you have to learn and practice, the more progress you will make!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How often can I meet for lessons? How much time can I devote to practicing each day? What are my goals? What kind of music do I like and want to be able to perform?