Ukulele Lessons in Altamonte Springs, FL

the lesson. With an instrumental and choral background, Jill brings music to life and then shares with the students how to keep music in their lives forever. Many students who had vocal problems have achieved vocal success after taking several lessons with Jill and learning to keep their voices healthy for the rest of their lives.

Jill has worked with children, teens and adults in many schools, churches and after school programs that she designed. Her success with students who are very young or students who come with disabilities or autistic spectrum diagnosis are moved by the music Jill creates. With the help of the ORFF-SCHULWERK certification, Jill has many ways of reaching children through the use of instruments, rhythm activities, games and other fun ways of learning. Breaking barriers is Jill's best asset, she will not quit until the student has an understanding of the instrument or his/her voice.

The young and the older adults find that taking lessons with Jill has brought them to a place of realizing their potential. Successful stories include pre-school age through students who are retired. The length of time one studies depends on the student's practice and diligence. Many students have started with Jill in preschool or elementary school and have continued through high school and college. Several college age students wanted to improve their singing or instrumental skills so goals were set and met through Jill's successful teaching ability. Several students learn music theory and many students have learned song-writing and creating arrangements.

Many of Jill's students have become better musicians and a considerable number of students have chosen music professions for their careers. Multiple students have won contests, auditioned for parts in musicals, started local bands and have become songwriters and performers after taking lessons with Jill. Students have been successful in auditions, both locally and nationally. For instance, one student auditioned for American Idol and made it through several steps to the finals.

Teaching a myriad of students from various places in the world who have come to the United States has been a great experience. The cultural differences makes the teaching of these students exciting since Jill learns about music in their own home countries. Some of the students are from China, Germany, Norway, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico and many who moved to Florida from some other state in the U.S.A. What a joy it has been to learn to communicate with these students and to verify that music is a universal language. By special request Jill is available for online lessons through internet and devices as well as traveling to student locations when her schedule allows. Students interested in online or in-home lessons should send a message to her to request certain days and times of availability.

Jill held the title "Steinway Pianos Concert and Artist Director" in Dallas TX in the 80's, working with Steinway artists and Dallas Symphony, Opera, Ballet and other events like planning pianos for Prince Charles' visit and many other concerts and events. Jill also performed in many Dallas venues as well as providing pianos for the Cowboys, the clubs, hotels, country clubs and museums including The Dallas Museum of Art.

Jill moved to Florida to play with an all original Blues Band in 1992 and has been performing, directing and teaching since that time.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, plans succeed. " (Proverbs 15:22) It is Jill's belief that with her teaching qualifications and past record of success with student achievement and great experience studying with wonderful advisers, teaching YOU or YOUR CHILD will be one of success!

*** Lesson Details ***
Jill's teaching technique is flexible. Some students require a stern and strict approach while others seem to work best with more creative license. Jill is open to each student's needs. When booking lessons with Jill, one will find that the first thing she will do is find out more about the student's needs and desires to succeed in their chosen instrument. Meeting goals are important in music and in life!

Because of her flexible approach, method books vary depending on the student's need to succeed. Sometimes young students will need to review several beginning methods until their reading skills are achieved. For the young students, Jill teaches theory and gives the young students time during the lesson to explore musical symbols and try their hands at improvisation, rhythms, manuscripts and creativity. The student is responsible for the cost of materials used in class.

Some students may desire to learn to play "by ear" or through improvisational skills. Jill is very good with improv and her song writing skills are strong. When a student desires to write music, Jill is there to help with questions about time signatures, note values, key signatures and transpositions. Many students have copyrighted their material and are successful songwriters!

Taking lessons with Jill is a journey that those who have tried have not had regrets. Several parents and past students would be happy to tell you how their talents and gifts improved after working with Jill for a few months. After three months of working together, Jill will know how to pursue the student's musical career. After 6 months the student will be able to play complete songs and have a sense of basic music theory. The hope is for the student to be confident of their instrument's abilities and to have a list of repertoire for upcoming events in the student's life.

Several of Jill's students have taken their skills, gifts and talents to the professional level. Students who have studied with Jill are professional music directors in high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, churches, soloists and some who are in school studying music as their major. Taking lessons with Jill will be something that will add value to the student's life forever because MUSIC is her life! Without music, the world would be a very dull place and individuals would be unhappy and depressed in every walk of life. Music brings out the beauty of creation and man's ability to skillfully play an instrument for pleasure or for one's occupation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Conservatory Grand
Roland keyboard
5 string bass guitar/amp
mandolin
5 string banjo
small MACKIE mixer with Shure mics
Gibson electric guitar with effects and amp
6 string Takamine e-coustic with amp
recorder (the instrument)
violin
dulcimer
bongos
tambourines and many percussion instruments
music stands
soprano and baritone ukuleles
trumpet
djembe
I-pad
harmonica
various rhythm instruments
Mallets and tone blocks
drums (only at Orlando location which is limited)

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my own equipment, but I expect the student to provide his/her own instruments and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
My specialty in voice comes from years of lessons and performance experience. Including solo gigs, bands and service performances such as parties, weddings, funerals, organizational roles, skills, clubs, recordings, hotels, country clubs, churches, schools and much more. She uses many methods, handouts and books to bring out various ideas to learn to sing correctly. Jill takes each individual at his/her level and tries to improve breathing technique, posture, enunciation with style and phrasing, depending on the student's aspirations.

Jill plays most instruments including piano, guitar, bass guitar, band instruments, ukulele, banjo, dulcimer, drums, percussion, harmonica, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, mandolin and violin. Jill enjoys many styles of music and she has played with many bands and groups throughout her musical career. She is a full time musician, music teacher and music director. Years of experience traveling the U.S. And Bahamas with bands, choirs and ensembles enables Jill to work well with many styles of music including contemporary, rock, Christian, Broadway, classical, country, bluegrass, jazz and her favorite, blues.

Sign up for five lessons today and you will not be disappointed.

Here's to your success!!!

vading the American music scene. I grew up in New Jersey, performing in rock bands until becoming interested in classical guitar. With New York City only a short bus ride away, I spent as much time as possible in the city, studying guitar with Russian born Classical Guitarist, Dr. Alexander Bellow, and Jazz Legend "Bucky" Pizzarelli. During this time, I attended recitals of such notables as Andre Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams. Being immersed in this musical scene inspired me to make music my life.

Earned a degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, where I studied under the direction of guitar pedagogue, Richard Provost. While at Hartt and shortly after, I performed in numerous Master Classes for internationally acclaimed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Lorimer, and Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

I have taught guitar at the college level for over twenty years teaching on the music faculties of University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, Bethune Cookman College, Florida Southern College, and St. Leo College. I taught private guitar lessons, class guitar, and guitar ensemble

I have appeared hundreds times at Disney and Sea World as well as other venues around Central Florida. My experience includes performing solo and in small groups. I have also performed with rock groups, stage bands, folk groups, classical ensembles, jazz combos, Broadway shows, operas, as well as solo recitals, and concerto appearances.

Throughout the years I have had many unique experiences while performing. One of my favorites being the opportunity to play the MASH theme song for Alan Alda as well as other stars in attendance at a cast party for the TV show, Win, Lose or Draw at EPCOT Center.

Although I enjoy performing, I considers teaching music to be highly gratifying. The importance of giving students a good foundation with the proper technique and performance skills cannot be underestimated. When a student can play a song from beginning to end with style and confidence you know you've given them a gift that will offer them enjoyment for the rest of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ipad apps, music stand, instrument stands, tuner, metronome, amp, chairs,

*** Specialties ***

Fingerstyle- Classical, Fingerstyle Jazz, Folk, Celtic.

Pickstyle- Rock, Blues, Jazz.

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.
Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook
I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !
*** Specialties ***
I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

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performances all throughout middle and high school with flute, and have received top positions.

**PIANO**

I have been playing piano since 1998, taken piano lessons for 7 years, and performed in several recitals. Now I mostly play for fun. My favorite piano songs to play are TV, Movie, and Video Game themes!

**UKULELE/GUITAR**

I have taught myself guitar and ukulele and have performed in a few festivals and coffee shops around Orlando. When I was teaching, I often brought my instruments with me to play for my kindergarten class!

I write music as well with my twin sister - we enjoy writing electronic/indie/pop music together.

I've also enjoyed venturing into the world of graphic design, and since Fall 2015, have been running my own tiny little design business with a few clients here and there. I've taught myself how to use adobe photoshop and illustrator to create social media graphics, logos, flyers, and t-shirt designs.

I currently work from home doing graphic design as well as teaching music lessons.

**LOCATION**

I am located in College Park near downtown Orlando.

**TEACHING STYLE**

My teaching style is laidback and casual in nature. I believe the most productive learning comes through relationships, trust, and fun! My philosophy is to focus on you. What kind of music do you enjoy and what do you need to get the most out of your lessons? I strive in cozy, safe feeling environments and hope to create a welcoming space for our lesson time. (Check out my pictures to see my lesson space!)

I see myself as a facilitator - I will teach you the foundations of your chosen instrument and what you need to know I will be by your side to encourage and help you. But... you will put in most of the work! You get out of lessons what you put into them - for this reason I highly encourage daily practice! Even if it is just 5-10 minutes a day.

I also hold a recital once or twice a year so that you have the opportunity to perform and show off your skill and everything you have learned.

**LESSON DETAILS**

Piano lessons will be held in my home in Orlando (college park). I do require a purchase of a piano book depending on your skill level (about $5-10 on amazon), and notebook in order for me to write down what to practice for the following week. If I am traveling to you, you will need to have a piano or keyboard available for lessons.

Flute lessons will be held in my house in Orlando or online (via TakLessons Classroom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Skype). You will need to have your own flute for lessons and practice. I will also have you purchase a fairly cheap lesson book on amazon (book will be depending on your skill level) and suggest having a notebook so I can write down what you need to practice for the following week.

Ukulele lessons will be held in my house or online (via TakeLessons Classroom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Skype). You will need to have your own instrument available for lessons and practice. I do require purchase of lesson books that you can get fairly cheap on amazon. I also suggest having a notebook in order for me to write down what to practice for the following week.

**CANCELLATION POLICIES**

I require 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a lesson (with the exception of illness). Otherwise, you will be charged the regular lesson fee.

**MORE ABOUT ME!**
Some of my hobbies include writing/playing music, graphic design, traveling, hiking, camping, writing, painting, gardening.

I love my cat, my husband, coffee, food, Netflix, relaxing at home, going on crazy adventures, the beach, the mountains, and tacos!

usic? Will this be a hobby for you? Whatever your goals are, I am excited to know your story.