Voice Lessons in Lexington Fayette, KY

Hannah S

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Flute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Piccolo Music Keyboard

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does run in my family! My two older brothers, along with my twin sister, were all percussionists in school. After graduating, my oldest brother picked up the bagpipes, and we regularly perform Irish tunes together!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional musician when I was only 11 years old. The defining moment for me was realizing that all I wanted to do each day was play my viola in orchestra class.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style of music to play is Fiddle because of my Irish roots, and because the upbeat nature of Fiddling brings a smile to the listener's face.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I decided to learn my 2nd instrument, the flute, because I wanted to be in the band with my twin sister. I learned my 3rd instrument, the violin, because it had a lot of similarities with the flute. I learned my 4th instrument, the cello, because it had a lot of similarities with the viola, and it led me to learning my 5th instrument, the double bass. I then began singing because I wanted to join the choir, and in college I learned all of the remaining band instruments for my degree.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use the Hal Leonard Essential Elements method for my string students because this method teaches students not only how to play music, but also how to read music.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session for me begins with a warm-up routine, a cycle through all the scales I am working on at the moment, and then following a list of goals that I have set for myself during that session.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My Music Degree is in Music Education. I chose this degree path because my music teachers played a huge role in my life, and in my development as a musician. Music was my favorite subject in school, and I looked up to the people who got to make a career out of teaching music!

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of going on a concert tour of Ireland, performing in a music video, and having one of my first Violin students tell me that our lessons were her favorite part of each week.

When will I start to see results?
You will start to see results on the day of your child's very first lesson. Your child will not become a maestro over night, however, they will be introduced to new concepts, and they will progress on their instrument during each lesson.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first ever music teacher inspired me to go into Music Education when I was 11 years old. She inspired me by being patient, understanding, compassionate, and caring. She showed each student how much she cared about us every day, which is something I strive to do with my students.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Your child is ready to start lessons with me as long as they can treat their instrument with care, and can keep track of their materials for lessons.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practicing effectively can be achieved by simply focusing on a small chunk of your repertoire, rather than just playing from the beginning to the end of the piece.

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