Music Lessons in Mount Holly, NC

Instruments: Piano Voice

As a professional vocalist, Raissa has enjoyed performing in a variety of operas, musicals and recitals here and abroad. Some of her favorites include Rosalinda in "Die Fledermaus", Sandrina in "La Finta Giardiniera", Marenka in "The Bartered Bride", Cio-cio-san in "Butterfly" and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For beginner students who are adults, I tend to begin with Alfreds Basic Adult All in One Course. It is a wonderful book that teaches beginning theory and piano concepts at the perfect pace for adult students. As we progress through the book together, I begin to give pieces such as Clementis Sonatina in C (first movement). We start at a slower tempo and work each hand individually until the student is comfortable to try both hands. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I realize that each student is different, so I treat them as individuals. However, I do stress regular daily practice, even for short time periods. Regularity in practice is more important than long practice periods in my experience. I try to apply the three T's in my own playing and gradually incorporate these into my teaching, TASTE, TONE and TECHNIQUE. I enjoy seeing students progress because it reassures me that I understand the subject well, You have to know a subject 3 times as well if you teach it because a student will always ask a question you never thought of. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I would like to start my beginners in the aaron piano course book. I will also introduce music theory along with helping students to develop a ear for music, so that they can mix the two together to create their own style of playing. The more advance students will be introduced to John thompsons Mordern Course for the piano and the adult all-in-one course book. I would encourage my students to practice everyday. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

As a believer in the "magic" of positive reinforcement, I don't see any other way in encouraging my students to make progress. During a lesson, we first review material that was assigned to practice from the previous lesson. Clear instruction on how to make progress is given, as well as practice goals for the next lesson. Then, it's time for new material! At the end of each lesson, we write down practice goals in a notebook the student keeps. Read More

Instruments: Piano

At the beginning I will test the students on how much they know and what they like to play(soundtracks, gospel songs, songs out of the hymnal, classical etc). I start every lesson with positive and a little bit of chit chat to see how everything in their life is going. I also like to reward excellent behavior and good work(stickers, smiley faces, candy at the end). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with Suzuki Book 1. A strong foundation is key to playing the violin/viola. I do teach the Suzuki method, but I understand that method of teaching does not work for all students--one size does not fit all. I believe all students have the innate ability to learn an instrument despite their background. I find the Suzuki books provide a strong foundation with the ability to play full songs from the start. Read More