Jennie's Music

I do not have a one size fits all approach to teaching. Everyone has different learning styles and different learning needs.

I indentify the students musical goals and current skill levels. Then depending on the instrument they want to learn, I decide, with the input of the student or their parents, on the method that would best suit the student.

Depending on the instrument, (for instance: Guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin) some prefer or need a very structured learning style, but very often, some students learning the just mentioned instruments, prefer to just learn chords or songs at first.

If that is the case, I focus on getting them playing songs as soon as possible, and focus on teaching theory along the way, so they understand what they are playing. If I see they are struggling with basics, I incorporate more structure to build skill levels. As time goes on, they usually want to learn to read music as well. when they are ready, they learn notation.

Students who want to learn Violin, Piano or Banjo would be taught with a very structured style with theory incorporated into the lessons as we go. Violin and Piano students would definately learn notation from the get go.

Studied at:

-Berklee College of Music

-Wisconsin Conservatory of Music

-Suzuki Acadamy of Green Bay

-Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Recording/Audio engeneering)

-Over 30 years of music study thru personal private lessons with very knowlegble and talented teachers.

For lessons given in person at my studio:

$25 per half hour

$50 per hour

For online lessons: 

$25 per half hour

$50 per hour

All my fees are paid on a monthy basis, not per individual lesson.

I started teaching Private lessons in local music stores from 2005 to 2017. I taught out of a studio in a music store for about 12 years. I just moved my teaching studio to my home in 2017.

I have worked with young children, teens, and adults of all ages.  5 to 85

I have had great success with teaching kids on the spectrum, as I absolutley enjoy teaching them.

I have a annual summer outdoor recital /cook out in my yard every year, complete with professional sound system and stage experience.  It is a great way to showcase my students and have a great day of fun with them and their families.

Look for one who cares, listens, and has a personal interest in your success as a musician. A teacher who does not care whether you practice or not,  is a big red flag, not just a really nice teacher.

Before the learning process:

1. Do I have an instrument that is in good shape and in playable condition? 

If not, or if you don't know, ask yourself, should I have it checked out at a local music store, and have set up to be more playable?

For example, new strings or neck set up on guitar, bass, mandolin, or banjo. If you purchase a new instrument at a music store, make sure they set it up for you. If you buy online, chances are it is not set up correctly and you should have some one check it out.

If your instrument is hard to play, I will suggest that you go in somewhere to have it adjusted and get the right gauge strings put on. I can change strings and, in some cases, do minor neck adjustments.

2. Am I willing to commit to a regular practice schedule at home?

With out practice you will not succeed. There is no other formula.

When well into the learning process:

1. Do I already have access to the answers in my learning experience or learning materials?

2. Could I do a bit of research in my notes if I have forgotten something, rather than just asking for the answer?

I never answer a direct question that I know the student has already learned the answer to.  I draw out what the student already knows. If they are truly unable to come up with the answer, I review the material. I like to teach my students to build on what they know, have confidence in what they know, and retain what they know thru practical application.