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I am a positive, encouraging instructor that loves music! I believe that everyone is capable of playing an instrument and should have music in their life in some capacity. Music is a universal language that affects and connects us all to each other. You are never too young or too old to add music to your life. Whether advanced or amateur, the benefits of music are a blessing that carry throughout your whole life. I have 6 kids that are all home-schooled and play an instrument or have used music as an integral part of their life. From piano, to voice, to guitar, to ukulele, to recorder, to even singing and dancing to the radio and movies....they all love music!
I have my teaching degree from Indiana University in Music Education with a piano concentration. I have experience teaching in a traditional school, private school, home school, community building, and private music studio lessons for over 20 years. I encourage my students to practice consistently and to have fun! I like to move quickly through lesson books so that students have a sense of accomplishment and are able to get to repertoire that they thoroughly enjoy! I have used a variety of method books and am flexible in using what works best and what inspires the student the most. I pull music from many different resources and also use activities, games, and incentives to keep students motivated and focused on why they started lessons!
For beginning or new students I like to begin with the Faber and Faber lesson books, although I am flexible to use whatever methods course works best for each individual student. Once a student has some beginner playing skills and theory basics, I like to encourage them to pick songs that they enjoy playing. I focus on a combination of classical, Disney, pop, and jazz. I encourage students to practice on a regular basis, write in their music (if necessary), ask for help (communication with what is and isn't working is key to success), and to work in a step by step system to learning music. First, sightread the whole song. Second, replay and write, circle, finger number, whatever is giving you difficulties. Third, play in 4 measure sections, 2-3 times, continuing to circle, write, use arrows or colored pencils. And on and on. These steps and methods have proven beneficial to building strong musicians! I also use and encourage theory books, scales, chords, and technique exercises...these all help build strong, affluent students!
I have a positive and encouraging music studio! I like to see students progress at all levels beginners through advanced. I love to get to know my students and use different books, songs, techniques, to really reach their level and motivation. Everyone comes to lessons for different reasons and to get different experiences from it. My job as a teacher is to reach them where they are at and encourage them to push a little further. We are all capable of more and better music than what we know! Once you get to know a student and their desires, I am able to encourage them and show them what they can be if they choose! I quickly move through beginner lessons books to move on to more challenging and inspiring music!