About
Over the years I have come to discover that music is more than just strumming a guitar or pushing keys on a piano. Music is a form of communication and self-expression. It is my heartfelt desire that my students get comfortable enough on an instrument that they can express themselves through playing. Younger students may not appreciate this as a goal but one day they will.
Everyone learns differently. I like to meet people where they are. Whether young or older, experienced or completely new to music, I find a place for each student to pick up the musical thread and begin to follow it.
There's all kinds of music to discover - rock 'n roll, classical, jazz, country - and I know how to help people make their way along those different roads on their different instruments. I remember what it's like to be intimidated by an instrument, to be puzzled by music notation, to be full of doubt. I like to walk my students through that, to the other side where they are making their dreams come true. It is such a joy to see a student's eyes light up when they make some real music.
I emphasize technique, ear-training, and music theory to give each a student as well-rounded an experience as possible.
Some of my students have "learning challenges" and I enjoy finding a way to share music with them.
The atmosphere at Waterford Music Lessons is casual and friendly. I get to know the families of the students, and appreciate how complex it can be to make it to lessons every week. If given enough notice, I'm happy to reschedule a weekly lesson if I can.
I'm not the teacher for everyone. I cannot develop concert pianists. But I can help anyone learn to read music, count beats, hear the changes, and find the joy of playing an instrument.
http://www.WaterfordMusicLessons.com
http://www.JuliaKasdorfMusic.com
Facebook: @JuliaKasdorfMusic
I love meeting the students and getting to know their families. I've been a teacher for so long that kids are always coming up to my kids and saying "Hey, your mom used to teach me guitar!" I walk around town bumping into parents of students, and the exchange of greetings and well-wishing helps me feel like part of the community.
I also love our yearly recitals when all my students and parents get to meet each other!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask the student what kind of music they'd like to learn. Young students usually shrug their shoulders, in which case I may play a few pieces or songs and see what makes their eyes light up. If they already have some music under their belt, I ask them to play for me so i can assess their skill level. I put together a plan for the student, including exercises, some books that might work for them, and at the first lesson, make sure they leave with music or a chart they can begin to work on.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I minored in music theory in college. I have been a professional musician ever since, writing and performing all kinds of music in all kinds of bands. I know music from the inside out. I understand what makes music work, how subtleties can enhance one's playing, and how beautiful simple chords played on a guitar can be.