Piano Lessons

in Kirkwood.

Amazing Teachers.

se who are practicing regularly and did a great job in their lesson. Lessons are a time where children can feel like music really is fun and enjoyable to learn and experience!

In addition to being a teacher, I am also a singer/songwriter, and performed for 6 years at local coffee shops and outdoor events within Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. I am also a member of a local professional caroling group called Yuletide Singers which performs seasonally in places like Longwood Gardens and corporate functions. My history for performing stretches back, though, to my years as a puppeteer/children's performer, touring with a team doing school assemblies and evening family performances. I'm always excited to bring my understanding and experience with performance to my students!

**And, with excitement, I must add that TakeLessons named me "Teacher of the Week" on October 4, 2010! What a great honor! Thank you TakeLessons!!**

*** Lesson Details ***
Our time spent together will be filled with many smiles & laughs because that is probably why you want to take lessons -- because it makes you feel wonderful inside!

Within 3-6 months, we'll begin discovering how to read music and understand the language of it. We'll learn how to play/sing some of your favorite songs and learn some that you might not know. We'll discover what you really want to learn and achieve through taking lessons, and we'll work toward those goals!

For the intermediate piano student, we will begin understanding basic Music Theory and scales and will even take a look at how chord symbols work. Soon, you'll be learning how to accompany yourself and others as you sing! For singers, we'll learn about vocal techniques, breathing, getting your best vocal sound and discovering how to take a song to its potential! We'll also learn performance techniques, how to work with a microphone, have a great stage presence in front of a live audience and begin learning how to read music and even get familiar with the piano keyboard! For all my students, it's a journey that is exciting, unique to each individual, and one we will embark on together!

Because music is a performing art, I coordinate two music recitals each school year for students who are interested. This is an optional event, but is encouraged as part of the learning experience. It is usually held at a local firehall and presented in a low-stress and fun way with refreshments that follow!

*My studio is in a safe, family-friendly home & smoke-free environment. We also having a loving canine member in our family... a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Maximus. He is energetic and friendly. You may or may not see him since the entrance to my studio is through our back door, off the main house.

So! What do you say? Shall we START THE MUSIC? :)

Find me on Facebook: Valerie Bailey Music, for more photos of my fun recitals!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are enjoyed in a dedicated music room; keyboard (full-size with weighted keys and sustain pedal)

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25
lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.

I specialize in music education for all children, including ones with special needs. I feel it is so important for a child to start out with a fun and wonderful experience with music and performing. My approach is simple and fun and understandable for the young mind.

For my more intermediate students, I enjoy taking them to the next level of understanding in their instrument as well as music theory.

Because music is a performing art, I coordinate two music recitals each year for students who are interested. This is an optional event and presented in a low-stress and fun way!

ages 4-6. This gave me confidence to complete training for The Music Class and various other infant and toddlers music programs. Currently I have many adult students, some learning for performance reasons and others to just have fun with playing. One of my theory’s behind music training is “you must love the music you play”. It may be something new but always something for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
Motivation and commitment are important in my lessons. I believe with these two things and proper encouragement for your teacher every student is a winner! I like to start my lesson by assessing what skills and goals each student has or would like to reach for within their lesson. It also important to talk about you expectations for me as the teacher and what tools you will need going forward. (Music books, songs, tape recording etc…). I lessons to be enjoyable but also productive. I use lots of games and techniques to help each student learn

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano and microphone

*** Travel Equipment ***
keyboard

*** Specialties ***
My style comes from university training and personal experience. I have performed with many different ensembles as well as performance groups. Particularly I specialize in the classic style of jazz and scat singing. Other aspect of my teaching include classical operatic voice training as a vocal bases for any style of music.

Marian Anderson Scholar 2010 Philadelphia PA
Mu Omega Si Phi Talent Hunt 2004 and 2005 Over All Talent Scholarship Recipient
NAACP 2005 Philadelphia Chapter Scholarship Recipient
Congressional Black Caucus 2007 Scholarship recipient
2012 International Women in Jazz Festival Winner and Participant
2017 Philadelphia Jazz Project Grant Award Winner

individuals interests and goals. Sometimes this means arranging, transcribing a recording, or even composing something new for my students. Additionally, in each lesson, I balance technical skills, ear training, and music theory to assure that each student walks away a complete musician, all structured around your musical goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student must provide their own instrument and assigned method books. I will provide a music stand if necessary, and other useful instructional tools (metronome, tuner, etc.)

*** Home Studio ***
I offer lessons in my home located within walking distance of Broad Street in South Philadelphia, near the Tasker-Morris subway stop. I am equipped with a well-playing upright piano and plenty of space for musical activities. There is ample street parking in the area during the afternoon and early evening, and our living room is available to parents while students take their lesson. Students who travel to me for lessons gain all the benefits of performing on a piano, rather than an electric keyboard, and have access to many more resources that I am able to offer from my home, such as recordings and method books.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize teaching "late starters" (teens and adults new to piano) fundamentals in music in a fun and exciting way that will have you playing the music you love quickly.

For brass instruments, I am able to help brand new beginners build up their sound and facility through simple exercises that will have them astounded by their progress.

MATH: I use my years of classroom teaching and Master's degree in math education as experience to help guide you to the success you are seeking. I am able to tailor sessions to your specific needs with a few key points in mind:

- helping you catch-up, while also preparing you for what is ahead
- balancing practice with conceptual knowledge and application
- using research-based techniques to maximize your learning

I am a patient teacher, and well-equipped to explain tough topics in multiple ways. I like to use visuals and objects with simple examples to help my students really understand a concept before we try harder material. Total understanding and confidence is my goal for you.

My personal interests in mathematics are problem solving, puzzles, and combinatorics (think "How many different outfits can I make with all the clothes in my closet?"). If you're looking for an addicting puzzle to try, I suggest KenKen to all my students.

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

ers, a regimen of discipline and practice, an expectation I have of my students, and all the rewards that have lasted a lifetime. Properly taught music lessons are life lessons and are never a waste. I incorporate fun into the lessons as discipline and fun must be combined for success and enjoyment at all levels.

My teachers included Eleanor Sokoloff, Susan Starr, and Dale Clevenger.

I've taught for 29 years, and have a proven track record of success. I've taught at Universities including The University of Notre Dame, The University of Tennessee, The Chinese University and the Academy of Performing Arts in Hong Kong. I adore my students. Each one needs to be assessed and taught differently. Something you cannot learn in school, only through years of experience!

I teach in Avondale-Kennet Square-Chaddsford, Hockessin-Wilmington,, DE, Newark, DE, with possibility of travel 10 minutes away. Please note: If you want in home piano lessons, you need a working instrument, and must maintain the tuning.