Music Lessons in Tucson, AZ

Instruments: Cello

My teaching style is centered on the intersection between neuroscience and music. I love exploring how the brain works and how we can take advantage of that to make our practice as effective as possible. For example, did you know that a lot of the absorbing information that your brain does happens while youre sleeping? Or that a technique called random practice is more effective than blocked practice? In addition to supplementing my teaching with my neuroscience degree (in progress), I also think that it is my job as a teacher to make motivation and inspiration as easy as possible for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate lessons I use Faber Piano Adventures. Once a student shows the ability to work independently I move on to more standard teaching literature that follows the Royal Conservatory levels from preparatory to level 10. I use theory as a way to enhance lessons depending on the seriousness of the student. I also incorporate technique and scales as a supplement when a student shows motivation and adequate practice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I teach the beginning students with Essential Elements 2000: Eb Alto Saxophone, Book 1. It has the fingering charts for the student to use in practice. The playful tunes are good to work in lessons. For medium to advanced level, I will use Selected Duets by H. Voxman, Daily Studies for All Saxophones by Trent Kynaston, Ferling Etudes book, etc. I encourage the student to practice both technique (Scales, thirds, long tone exercise, tonguing) and etudes on daily basis. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have used Hal Leonard and Bastien. If the parent has a older method book they wish to use I start there and fill in as I see needed. I encourage a slow start to get all the basics understood, then progress at the student's own pace and interests. Handouts and charts are supplemented as most students can't afford all the music books requested in a series. If a student feels frustrated then a short walk from piano to the other side of the room shaking out the arms and fingers gets us back on track. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I customize each of my lessons to fit the needs of each particular student. I take into account the goals of each student, and this is something we will discuss regularly. We will typically spend some time on various technical exercises and studies, and then work on different pieces that we will choose together. I always like to hear if there is a certain piece that the student would like to play and will try to incorporate this into our plan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I also teach at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind, and I have extensive experience working with students who are blind or visually impaired. I am a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, and I completed my masters degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Penn State University. Favorite roles include Gretel in Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel," Lucy in "The Telephone," Luisa in The Fantasticks, Rona Lisa Peretti in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Marian in Robin Hood the Musical, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, and Poppea in The Coronation of Poppea. Read More