Granite Bay Visual Arts Lessons

nearly all prepared and ready for their lessons. This makes both Coach and student more effective and the time together more enjoyable.

Perhaps you are reading this with both a little excitement and a little concern. Finding the right person for your or your student can be intimidating. A short introduction follows so that you know a little about me and my philosophy which can assist you make an informed decision. If we are a good fit, lessons and learning progress more joyfully.

I have been teaching music, performing music and enjoying music since I was a tiny three-year old. My first piano lessons were at age seven. I have since taught the students of former students! How fun is that?

Music has blessed my life in countless ways and given me opportunities I'd never dreamed of. Teaching at the Young Artists Conservatory of Music; Singing in Carnegie Hall, Performing across Europe and teaching the best students for over 25 years has been a delight.

I believe strongly that those who spend their time and resources for musical education are some of the brightest and most intelligent people around. Each of my students have their own individual goals and reasons for taking music lessons, which we revisit monthly. I believe that my role is to be a support and tool for them/you to accomplish the goals set, working with music that delights and educates.

You want the best teacher, who offers information, example, practice and performance opportunities and then gets out of the way of the student's own "voice" (whether playing or singing) so that they can be free to create their own style.

*** Lesson Details ***
In our lessons, we work with a predictable schedule of balance. We have weekly exercises to make strong fingers and or voices, and technique and theory practice to hone skills that will improve our performances, whether they are for others or for our own benefit. Each student of piano can learn how to create and write their own music in time, choose their own pieces to work on, and have a say in their classical and performance goals.

We have a program of advancement, so you and your loved ones can visually see your progress and measure your skills, complete with awards and trophies.

What you learn, has everything to do with your commitment. Practice doesn't make perfect, Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Learning the piano ought to be a JOY. I believe in playing the piano, not 'practicing' it. Enjoy what you do, and you'll do it longer and with celebration instead of duty.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano - upright; CD player; Music stands; Dozens of music books and lesson materials; flash cards; computer and music writing program; mic and mirror, syllabus.

*** Travel Equipment ***
No travel.

*** Specialties ***
Over the years I have dabbled in most methods, but finally come to use my own syllabus and musicianship. I can easily adapt to your favourite if that is your desire. I specialize in a total music education, not merely in learning notes. It is like looking in a mirror and only seeing eyes and skin. Music has many facets and we discover all of them.

to see individuals "blossom" into their creative selves. Whether it is for a student's own enjoyment, audition preparation, recital performance or ongoing piano or voice development, I am committed to engaging you in an experience of learning and fun. It may be the biggest thrill of your lifetime!

*** Lesson Details ***
I love to have fun. For me, learning is a great source of fun. My goal is to make the process of your learning music fun while effective. I do have high standards for participation. I do not ask anything of you that I haven't done myself. I know, from many years of experience in performing and teaching, what it takes to make progress in a learning curve, Are you excited? Are you dedicated? Are you willing to jump in and get busy? I will give you the foundation of theory and technique to support your performance. I will expand your understanding and appreciation for music in its many styles and formats. No every other week or schedule as you go lessons, please. 

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room - Steinway piano, cathedral ceilings ... good acoustics.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Must have piano or quality keyboard. I definitely prefer piano.

*** Specialties ***
I was trained classically in both piano and voice, but spent many years in musical theater and singing in supper clubs, as well. I am capable of teaching most styles of piano and voice except rock and rap.

or for your needs.

What are your personal goals? We'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

Lessons with small children are more focused on just having fun while developing a good musical foundation, but we prefer for them to have as much personal ownership of their lesson as possible.

stars, calling it "an exquisite singer-songwriter album”, while PopMatters called it “a truly beautiful listen from start to finish”.
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In addition to her work as a performer, she has worked on multiple film soundtracks—her song “Satellite” is featured in the movie Pressure, starring Danny Huston, while other credits include All the Beautiful Things (Sundance), Desert Dancer, Dear Wendy and Summer in February. She is also the featured voice of the national ad campaign for Hillshire Farms
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Alongside her original material, Joanna commissioned to arrange a full length concert and lecture "Beyond Joni", focussing on the works of female songwriters of the 1960’s, including Joni Mitchell, Judy Sill and Joan Baez, to name a few. This is an ongoing project to be performed around the world.

Joanna has had the opportunity to work with such music luminaries as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kenny Werner, Lee Konitz Quartet. She has toured her own projects internationally, including Europe, Australia, Japan and throughout the US. She is also a regular collaborator within the dance, circus and theatre worlds.

Joanna is a passionate educator, especially in the field of early music education. She teaches with Grammy Nominated clarinetist Oran Etkin, teaching for his children's music education program Timablooloo. In February of 2016 she ventured to Mumbai to direct a choir of 200 children with the UK charity Songbound, bringing music to impoverished children in India.