Surfside, CA ACT Tutors

um and Education; and Masters in Arts (2012) in Teaching English to speakers of other languages, and Bachelors in Music Education (2010), both from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a degree in violin performance from Chicago.
I studied piano in Chicago for 10 years & taught both piano & violin for over 20 years. I also teach flute & cello for the past 5 years, as I studied them during my Music Education program.
I have taught music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am fan of the Essential Elements method and I Can Read Music book for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards.
For teaching music theory I mostly used Fundamentals of Piano Theory (9 levels) combined with Master Theory (6 levels) books.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach Piano competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. My lessons are customized to my students needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs.
I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary.
All my lessons include technique and reading music. I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both.
Music theory: I use Master Theory and Fundamentals of Piano Theory books for younger ages, Alfred's music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance.

Besides Essential Elements for strings I also use String Tunes and I Can Read Music to add more fun to the lessons as well as support reading music during the lesson. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students need to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books, flashcards & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I always bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning.

*** Specialties ***
I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests.
Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues

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.

and children do not learn well in traditional institutions. Many students and children don't respond to the assembly line nature of most institutions. He believes that a student's or child's strengths and natural abilities need to be the foundation of learning. Dr. Cliff often warns against a "cookie cutter" approach to educating students, teenagers and children. You or your child is seen as an individual, and natural strengths are identified and built upon. Therefore, individual one-on-one tutoring or help is the key approach to each student who has any challenges difficulties in a given subject.

In today’s environment and economic challenges, with shorter budgets for the education, larger classes sizes and pressure of performing well in all kind of standard tests, I often see many students lacking true knowledge and skills in a given subject, since they cannot get individualized attention during the class session. That’s where a tutor comes into the picture, not only uncover major “holes” in students’ knowledge set but also teach students how to study, how to learn and through proper guidance “fill” those knowledge and skills holes.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Not applicable (none).

*** Travel Equipment ***
Not applicable (none).

*** Specialties ***
ACADEMIA
California Southern University: Member of the Faculty Senate, Member of the Curriculum Committee, Member of the Personnel Committee, Member of the IT Committee, Core/Lead Faculty, Business & Management.
Northern University: Commencement Speaker, MBA/DBA programs, 2008-2013, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau.
California Institute of Advanced Management: Guest Lectured and Honored Speaker, MBA programs, May, 2012, El Monte, CA.
Pacific State University: Commencement Speaker, MBA/DBA programs, 2007-2012, China and Singapore.
California American University: Commencement Speaker; 2004-2009, China.
California Southern University: Commencement Speaker, Graduation Ceremony, 2011, Irvine, CA.
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) - International Institute of Business Analysis, 2013.
DETC Evaluator – The Distance Education and Training Council, 2012.
ACICS Evaluator – The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Scools, 2012.
BPPVE Auditor – California’s Bureau for Private, Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 2000.
Senior Global Partner – The Academy of Business Strategy; 2012.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing: CSET Math (I, II, III), Business (I, II, III), Preliminary Education Technology (I, II), 2010-2012.
Certified Site Reviewer/Auditor, Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, California, 2002.
Certified Professional Tutor, American Tutoring Association and National Tutoring Association, 2011.
Educate, Inc.: Sylvan University – Certificate of Mathematics Content Proficiency for Directors of Education; May, 2010
Tier I California Preliminary Administrative Credentials, 2006.
University of Southern California, Graduate level courses (master’s) in Systems Engineering/Management, 2005-2006.
Certified School Director, Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, California, 2004.
California Community College Lifetime Teaching Credential, 1993.

INDUSTRY
HIMS (Healthcare Information & Management Systems), CPHIM (Certified Professional Healthcare Information Management); 2013.
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) - International Institute of Business Analysis, 2013.
Security Innovation, Certificate in Enterprise IS/IT Security – part of the CISSP prep; 2012.
L. A. County: Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP) training; 2012.
Senior Global Partner – The Academy of Business Strategy; 2012.
Harvard Business School, Certificates in: Leadership & Management, Creativity and Innovation, Global Business and Technology, Business Acumen, Communications, Marketing, Strategy, Technology, Leading Change; 2010.
Master’s Certificate in Project Management, George Washington University/ESI, 2009.
Disney University, Training and Certificate in ITIL Service Management; 2009.
ESI Int’l Executive Education in: Contract Management, Business Analysis, Information Systems Security, Business Intelligence, IT Service Management/ITIL, ROI Methodology, Intercultural Management, Internet/Digital Marketing, Sales Force Management, Supply Chain Management, Leadership, Negotiations, Business Process Management, Business Sustainability, Enabling Technology.
George Washington University Master’s Certificate in Project Management, through ESI classes, 9/2009.
CMU/SEI, S/W Architecture Professional Certificate, 2006.
Delivered College/Corporate Training: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Systems Engineer (MCSE), Professional/Application Developer (MCPD/MCAD), Solution Developer (MCSD), IT Professional (MCITP); 2004-2007.
S/W Architecture Professional Certificate, CMU/SEI, 2006.
Member Board of Directors, National Management Association, 2005.
Scrum Alliance: CSM, CSP and CST, 2010.
Project Management Institute - PMP certification., 2010.
Malcolm Baldrige and Balanced Scorecard training; Software Cost Estimation training; Developing Software
Architectures for Multi-platform and Network Centric Environments/Operations training, 2005.
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, JPL, 1996-2002.
Certified Information Systems Auditor, Information Systems Auditing Association, 2000.
Certified Project Manager, American/National Management Association, 1999.
Certificate in Supervisory and Management Skills, National Management Association, 1991. Extensive PMP teaching.
Certified Quality Analyst, Quality Assurance Institute, 1990.
Certified Computer Programmer, Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals, 1989.

y my college, University of Southern California. I continued in the industry working for several companies such as Sylvan Learning Centers, Kaplan, TutorFind, and Club Z Tutoring. Since that time, I have continued to work privately with countless students, tailoring my lessons to students' needs and allowing our interactions to grow beyond academic instruction into academic planning, college admissions processes, and mentorship.

I specialize in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and standardized test preparation, but am also available as a general supplemental education provider for any and all subjects with which I have sufficient experience. I like to build a strong connection with my students and their parents, offering not only supplemental education, but also mentorship and academic advisement. I have worked with many families during the planning stages of transition from middle school to high school and high school to university, helping plan a solid academic structure for the student that will guarantee success.

I am available for last-minute tutoring (e.g. studying for a final exam), short-term tutoring solutions (e.g. standardized test preparation), as well as long-term instruction on a regular basis for students with ongoing needs.

y have all the knowledge you need to solve it. My job is to help you get better at searching your brain for the right strategy.

I use real practice tests so that you can see more questions and get more comfortable with the format of the exam. But I've also written my own study materials that break the SAT and ACT down into manageable "packets". Each packet is meant to narrow your focus to a certain question type. I think you'll see pretty quickly that the SAT doesn't change all that much from test to test, so once you know how to recognize each question type, you won't be surprised when you see it on the next exam. That's why they call it a standardized test - the questions don't vary all that much!

By breaking the test down into manageable chunks, I can make it easier to learn the material because you won't have to memorize hundreds of formulas, grammar rules, and vocabulary words at once. Small goals are easier to achieve. And accomplishing those little goals will boost your confidence, making you more willing to try the hardest problems that you used to give up on. As you take practice tests, you'll see those scores go up, and you'll actually be excited for test day!

math to real world situations to allow my students to fully understand the relevance and necessity of knowing and using math in their everyday lives.

Please contact me with any questions you may have! I look forward to working with you to reaching your GPA and test score goals!