Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks.
Background Check Complete
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In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: No
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Piano, Music Performance
Education
I.S.N.U. - Music - 1960-1961
WIlson Jr. College - Drama - 1961-1962
College without Walls - Accounting/Bus Law - 1965-66
Specialties
Stage presence Use of microphone Dramatic performances Classical Piano techniques
Lesson Details
For Adults we discuss their goals and I come up with a plan that we can both agree on to get them there within reason. For children and all beginning students I start with the basics. We learn the keyboard, and the corresponding notes on the music. Treble Clef, and Bass Clef become new words in your vocabulary along with the first seven letters of the alphabet. After you learn your way around the keyboard and the Music Staff we start on the next most important part of music, rhythm. I
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use a variety of percussion instruments and recorded music to teach the various time signatures depending on the age of the student. This makes it more relevant and enjoyable when they can relate to the music they listen to everyday and pick out the time signatures, By now you can read music even if slowly at first, and the addition of rhythm makes it more fun to play. This usually happens within the first six months for children, and the first three months with Adults. Practice is essential , and I recommend that each student practice for 1/2 hour increments up to 2 hours a day depending on their age. I also use scales to help improve dexterity and strengthen the fingers. Students are recorded to track their progress and for me to listen to their lessons and spot problems for correction that I may have missed during the lessons. I also work with performers in perfecting their stage presence and audition skills. With today's opportunities to become overnight stars with just a video, you want to maximize your chances in any way you can. As a producer of many shows and concerts, I can help make that happen for you.
As a child prodigy, my music talent was discovered at the ripe old age of three when I began playing Christmas carols on a toy piano I got for Christmas. After 16 years of private tutors, a scholarship to the Conservatory and studies of music Theory, Drama, and Conducting in College, I decided I didn't want to teach I wanted to play. I began a lifelong career as a pianist, writer, producer. I started playing for Sunday School in the Third grade and have continued to play for various
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churches as an Organist, Choir Director and Minister of Music for the past 45+ years. I began my own production company in the early 70's and have produced numerous productions showcasing the talents of young and old. My students range from 5 years to 87 years young and I specialize in teaching Seniors how to fill their retirement years with music. Although some instruments may best be learned when you are young so you can develop the required callouses I believe everyone can play something even if it's nothing more than a Recorder. I have had the joy of teaching many Seniors how to surprise their mates with beautiful music after only 6 months of lessons. Many parents have seen their children suddenly do better in school after mastering the art of playing for themselves . Then they have participated in talent shows, school performances, and church pageants. The fun of being able to sit down and make music for your own enjoyment is almost as much fun as playing for the enjoyment of others. I look forward to continuing to share my love of music and the skills to play for yourself with students from Take lessons.
In-Home: I will provide the percussion, recorder and recorded material.
Student: Purchase recommended material. Provide your own instrument, and computer or lap top if possible . Internet access not necessary but helpful.
gwendolyn's Photos
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1
reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by EllisV Gwendolyn is a wonderful instructor. She is patient and kind. My daughter enjoys her lessons.
May 1, 2012
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
