Carla P
Instruments: Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Carla P
Instruments: Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Online
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BM, Howard University, Music MA, NewYork University, Music Therapy
Awards:
2001 - Howard University Graduated Magna Cum Laude 2003 - NewYork University Graduated with Honors 2007 - Founder of PeaceRock Workshop (Songwriting workshop for traumatized children and adolescents) 2013 - Founded Music Therapy for Vets ( Provides Music Therapy sessions for Veterans)
Overview:
I am a guitar and voice teacher who believes that learning music should be a positive, transformative experience. I am also a board-certified music therapist and founder of “Music Therapy for Vets” a nonprofit organization focused on the helping Veterans dealing with PTSD and depression. I earned my Bachelor of Music at Howard University with a focus on guitar as my therapeutic instrument. While earning a master’s degree in Music Therapy at New York University I focused on therapeutic songwriting to help individuals work though emotional trauma. I continue to write and perform original music.
EXPERIENCE
I have over 15 years of experience teaching guitar and voice to students from 4 – 73 years old. During the last two years I began teaching ukulele to children as young as 4years old. I am currently teaching mostly school age children, adolescents and adults. As a music therapist I have used guitar lessons as a therapeutic intervention to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. I believe that an individualized approach is most effective when teaching students of all ages. I encourage songwriting for students at all levels to promote self-expression while improving guitar and or vocal skills.
METHODS USED
I encourage all my students to learn the basic rudiments of music including music theory, sight-reading and playing ‘by ear’. I recommend Mel Bay’s “Children’s Guitar Method” and Hal Leonard’s “Guitar Method Book 1” for school age children. However, many of my students have decided to concentrate on learning basic theory involving chords and scales to develop ability to play ‘by ear’. When working with voice students I focus on basic theory, breath control, and vocal scales to develop student’s ability to discern musical intervals. I encourage voice students to utilize music that is meaningful to them personally.
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style is individualized to meet the needs of the students. I like to use a portion of the first lesson to discuss the goals and musical interest of the student regardless of age. I encourage beginner students to learn basic theory to develop rudimentary skills. I then try to incorporate a student’s favorite music into the lesson plans. I also strongly encourage voice and guitar students to write their own music to promote self expression. I have utilized music from a variety of artist such as Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Creed, Billy Ray Cyrus, Adele and Louis Armstrong to engage students. I empower students to use music to celebrate their individuality rather than competing with others.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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