Teaches online

Teaches Beginner, Intermediate

Age: 5-65

Teaching since 2003

Masters of Music plus Certification

About Nicole S.

5.0

(4)

I believe music is for everyone, and every student I have will see my enthusiasm for making and learning music. Piano was the instrument that started my musical journey, and I would love to help you start yours! If you are a non-musician seeking to enter the musical world, I have trained with fantastic teachers, and am eager to share that knowledge with you. I am currently completing my Master of Music degree in Brass Performance (Trumpet) at the University of Washington with a teaching certificate with endorsements for General, Instrumental and Choral music. My primary teachers are David Gordon (principal trumpet of the Seattle Symphony), Allen Vizzutti (internationally acclaimed trumpet star), and Dr. Kathryn Aducci (Baroque trumpet specialist). I actively perform and practice so I can be a role model for my students (whether they play piano, trumpet, or want to study music theory/performance). I have taken auditions, extensively studied piano and music theory, and performed in almost every ensemble that has trumpet. I have performed in Baroque trumpet ensembles, brass ensembles, brass quintets, jazz bands, and drum and bugle corps (Santa Clara Vanguard), wind ensembles, symphony orchestras, and as a soloist with choirs. *** Lesson Details *** I have a laid back approach to the material we use in lessons, and I like to keep a timeline in mind as to what is to be accomplished by when. All music books contain some value, and if you have 1 or some, we will use existing materials as long as we can to limit the cost of materials. If you have no books, and are a true beginner, we will find the book that most interests you, and go from there. As lessons continue we will check our timeline to ensure we have worked towards your goals. As goals are reached, or not reached, we can asses what needs to change, what is working, and how effective your practice time has been. Each student is unique, and each student's learning pace is unique. I want you to see improvement, and enjoy the music making process. All of my teaching is based on those goals. Twice a year I host a recital for my students under the age of 18, in order for them to gain experience performing for an audience. This has been a wonderful instructional tool for them, and the parents also love it! *** Studio Equipment *** Chairs, music stands, and at least one electronic keyboard (a grand piano can be made available under certain circumstances). *** Travel Equipment *** Students need their instrument, their music and any other materials deemed necessary. *** Specialties *** *Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.* I have a great deal of experience with performance anxiety and coping mechanisms. I have worked in masterclasses with Bill Williams (former Acting Principal Trumpet of the San Francisco Symphony) on this material.

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5.0

4 Reviews

Guangrong Zhou

Ms. Nicole S. is an very excellent teacher, my daughter love her high technique and whole-hearted guidance. Ms. Nicole S. is an very excellent teacher, my daughter love her high technique and whole-hearted guidance.

Posted Oct 29, 2013

Darcy Rue

Our shy daughter is flourishing Our shy 7 year old has been gaining much needed skill and confidence with Nicole's guidance. She has taken a creative, flexible approach that has really brought our daughter out of her shell and kept her interested in learning both piano and singing.

Posted Feb 14, 2013

Ferguson Neale

Can't think of a better environment to learn the Trumpet! Nicole is working with Gabe, (11) first year Trumpet player, and I canât say enough about his experience over the first 4 months. Nicole keeps it fun and has helped Gabe accelerate at his trumpet playing. The 30 min lesson âzips-byâ and Gabe looks forward to it each week. Nicole is a terrific instructor for this age group.

Posted Feb 8, 2013

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Experience

Professor on Record

Sep, 2009 - Jun, 2015

University of Washington

MUSIC185, "The Concert Series," is a course designed to create informed audience members. Through reading my book, "Concerts Decoded: Listening Like You Mean It," and learning how to follow the music they are hearing during lectures, students gain the knowledge they need to actively listen to music. We go over the basics, and we also cover the performance differences between various musical styles. By the end of the course, students should feel comfortable critically listening to a performance and giving an informed opinion at the end of the concert.

Brass Technician

Nov, 2012 - May, 2013

Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps

The brass section for the Seattle Cascades was comprised of mostly high school aged music students while I was there. We worked on sound production, concept of sound, rhythm, and musical expression. They needed the basics, but also an idea of what their goals should be for all of the skills they were acquiring. It was rewarding to work with a brass section that had potential and showed so much progress during my time with them.

TA Conference Lecturer/Facilitator

Aug, 2011 - Aug, 2013

University of Washington

Each summer I prepare future TAs at the University of Washington for some of the challenges they are going to face. I've presented on classroom management, syllabus preparation, difficult classroom situations, and evaluating work in the fine arts.