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!
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
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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.