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Regent University, Master of Arts, Theater Ministry
Norfolk State University, Bachelor of Arts, Music Education
I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. I grew up playing piano and singing in church and was previously Minister of Music at my former church where I was responsible for singing and playing piano. I have also sung with a band for a short period of time in local venues and performed in a college musical theater production. I have acted as the musical director of a local musical theater production for the past 2 years and this will be my third year.
My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as a I began teaching piano lessons as a part of NSU's Junior Music Summer Program. From there I. began taking students for private piano and voice lessons in my home studio for a couple of years. I am also an elementary music teacher here in Norfolk. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key pints i like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go along way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn.
For beginning students are are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Student Piano Library series for younger students and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for pre-teen/teenagers. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For older students, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engagin and fun, no matter their ability level.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. One of the ways I do this is by having my students (or their parent) fill out a "Getting to Know Me" sheet.