Newark Music Lessons

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!

'13 under the tutelage of Catherine Cook.

One of the most important things that I have learned thus far, is that singing is a truly expressive art form that requires hard work, diligence, and commitment. It is my goal to bring each of my students the farthest I can in healthily developing their technique as well as work on the emotional portrayal and fundamental building blocks of music. Although I teach each student specific to his or her individual needs and desires, my lessons usually consist of three parts - technique exercises, sight singing, and repertoire. Furthermore, other things that stay consistent are a comfortable and safe environment for the student, my undivided attention, all the information that I have to share with others, and most importantly FUN!

Although it is my personal decision to pursue opera and classical music, I have experience in musical theatre and am comfortable teaching a variety of genres. I truly believe that although each genre is different, the foundation and principles of healthy singing are the same.

Not every teacher is right for every student. However, I do my best to give all my students lessons in a comfortable and productive learning environment. I hope that you will take the next step of your path towards healthy and beautiful vocal production with me. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon!

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, Bryn Mawr-Villanova, PA, Hockessin-Wilmington,, DE, Newark, DE, and Cherry Hill, NJ with possibility of travel 10 minutes away. Please note: If you want in home piano lessons, you need a reasonably high quality instrument, and must maintain the tuning. I have perfect pitch and it will be crucial to me.

with bands: I have recorded on 30 albums and toured extensively, with projects spanning a broad spectrum of genres.

t they have experience playing with other musicians and other styles of music.

ne Graduate Scholarships; includingthe Ormond Scholarship, the Joyce McKenna Scholarship and the Sir William McKie Travelling Scholarship. Tessa has played under the baton of world-renowned conductors, including Trevor Pinnock, Marin Alsop, Jac Van Steen, Christian Thielemann, Pierre Laurent-Aimard, Elgar Howarth, Sir Mark Elder and the late Sir Colin Davis. As a chamber musician, she has performed extensively with quartets across Europe, the United Kingdom and The United States.