Alison D  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Organ, Ukulele, Recorder, Keyboard, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Marching Band

With my experience as a teacher, performer and accompanist combined with my degree in Music therapy, my lessons go far beyond physical skills. I help each of my students develop the part of them that truly loves music. My teaching experience dates back to when I was 15 - so I've been doing this for shy of 10 years. I have taught students with a variety of skill levels and varying ages. Most of my music career has focused on accompaniment and performance - but teaching is my favorite, because it gives me the opportunity to help another succeed. Music is at the core of each of us, and it's so crucial to find success in developing that part of us. I focus on student success, no matter what that looks like. My students will be encouraged to enter competitions, recitals, and composition. It's important, especially at a young age, to find your voice - music often provides words when speech does not.

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. It's all about developing a well-rounded musician. For adults, I directly discuss what it is they want to get out of their lessons, and develop an appropriate lesson plan with them.