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Bachelor Degree: Thomas Edison State University
Music is my biggest passion and something I love sharing with my students. I first began taking music lessons at the age of nine and quickly took to piano. A few years later I also began studying the violin. At a young age I fell in love with music and its ability to express emotion and connect people. This is what I hope to pass on to my students. I work diligently with each of them to find the method of learning that works best for them because I desire to help cultivate their love of music.
I began teaching private lessons ten years ago while in high school under my own music instructor. She assigned me younger students to co-teach with her as a way to grow my teaching skills. In college I ventured out on my own and began offering private music lessons out of my home. Additionally during this time I worked as a strings instructor at a local music group for homeschooled children. I love working with students of all ages and will incorporate many different musical styles into their education. I put a heavy emphasis on learning to read music as well as ear training as I believe both are crucial for a well rounded musician.
For beginning piano students, I typically start with Faber's Piano Adventures. I also use these books as a foundation for intermediate students. After students have grasped the basics, I will talk with them to determine their interest in different musical styles and songs. I will then add in supplementary material to go alongside the Piano Adventures books to give them a broader range of musical ability. Violin lessons are a combination of the Suzuki Method and Strings Builders. I will also incorporate solo songs in various genres such as folk or jazz to give the student more experience. Occasionally I will also create individual lesson plans for students I believe would benefit from a combination of methods rather than a particular one. I will consult regularly with parents to asses how lessons are going and how the curriculum may need to be adjusted.
I believe the best teaching method is one that focuses on the accomplishments of each student. I have several different rewards systems that I will use to motivate students to practice at home. Part of this system is encouraging my students to set their own realistic goals and walking them through how to reach them. Additionally, I am a big believer in affirmation and will do my best to encourage each student throughout the lesson. I tailor lessons to fit the learning needs of the student, so that may mean slowing down or speeding up the pace of learning as well as how much is assigned to practice at home.