Denise VanPatten's Music Lessons

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About

I graduated from Christopher Newport with a Bachelors of Art in Music as a Flute major and a minor in psychology. I went to School at Old Dominion University for 2 years in my undergrad for music as a Woodwind major and piano minor. While finishing at CNU I was in piano master class with all the piano majors. I've been teaching piano and flute for about 10+ years now privately.

I have played with many groups in school but also in the community. I have worked at Woodwinds Plus and Music and Arts. While at Music and Arts I was a Flute and Piano teacher remaining fully booked.

I believe every student is different and tailor learning to each individual. I do not have a one size fits all approach and teach songs students actually want to learn. Whatever the students goals are, I create an approach to help them be successful and reach those goals.

The thing I enjoy the most about teaching is the look in a student's eyes when it finally clicks and they get it. Watching a student being successful in their goals and improving is very rewarding work.

I'm also a former 1st grade teacher and taught at a museum for 15+ years. Teaching is my passion. Music is just something I'm good at that I can share.

Highlights

Hired 4 times

1 employee

7 years in business

Serves Norfolk , VA

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo

No reviews (yet)

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

I currently travel to student location. Rate listed includes driving fee. I offer discounts to homeschool and military families. Every additional half hour after an hour at the location is also discounted. I can also wave the driving fee already included in the price if you are filling a gap in my schedule, willing to be flexible on time due to traffic, OR are very close from previous lesson.

How did you get started teaching?

I started teaching science at the Virginia Air and Space Center back when I was only 15. I then got into a NASA teaching and leadership internship LARAS. I went across the state teaching the public about NASA related programs and also taught teacher workshops. It wasn't until my senior year I decided I wanted to teach music. I found I had a real talent for teaching and music. I took me less than a year to teach myself piano before auditioning to college to be a piano minor and I kept up with piano majors with ease. I wanted to pass that to others. I had given lessons to the low chair players in high school and enjoyed it. I was section leader for 3 years in high school and we ran sectionals which are kinda like group lessons. I loved it and it motivated me to go for my degree in music education so I could teach music.

What types of students have you worked with?

I've worked with children of all ages already because of my education experiences. I've worked with all ages from 4-60+. I have worked with kids with learning disabilities l and work well with them.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Make sure you and the teacher really click and communicate well. It is important to have a bond with your instructor so they can motivate you to improve. I would make sure that the teacher is far above your level of ability and also has some form of experince or an education or music degree. I would advise finding someone that has a reputation in the area as a musicain already. You don't want a teacher thats closed off from opprotunies in the area.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

Think about your learning style and how you learn best.

Figure out where all your music is and put aside things you enjoy playing and things that challenge you.

Deside why you are taking lessons and what you would like to see improve or get out of them.

Services offered

Piano

Flute