Crystal Springs, FL Music Theory Lessons

Prague Film Orchestra. Even more recently I have been a teacher for the Flutes and Strings classes at Unison World School in Dehradun, India.

I have enjoyed having a very successful studio here in Tampa, and hope to enrich your life with music soon!

*** Lesson Details ***
My approach to teaching varies with the age level of each student. With younger students, imitation is often one of the best methods of learning and I prefer the Suzuki method for students up to age 8, especially with strings. For older children and adults, learning music notation and basic music theory for a full understanding of musical language are more important to get them to the level where they can learn any music that they want to play for fun. For students who wish to excel in their school band, a more practical approach with technique specific warm-ups and exercises seems to be the best in general.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught in the living room which includes music stands, sheet music, whiteboard, video recording equipment and microphone, and seating for parents/students. No pets. Parking in driveway. Siblings are welcome.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide metronome, and tools for minor instrument repair. Students should provide their own music stands and sheet music.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki method, Hrimaly, Taffanel et Gaubert, Patricia George

laying with other musicians. You will learn to read music but I promise you will not be bored.

98, Lisa is a pianist and composer who also maintains a studio. She has been hired to play the piano for many occasions including weddings, private parties and company parties since 1983. She also has a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and utilized music in her work as a psychotherapist. Lisa has a goal to instill the love of music in all her students through an individualized student-centered approach.

*** Lesson Details ***
I instruct children as well as adults ranging from beginning to advanced levels in the art of playing the piano. I teach various styles of music including standard classical repertoire and popular pieces. Through a creative, fun and individualized approach to teaching, my students also learn ear training, sight reading, music theory, piano technique and music history as it pertains to the pieces they are currently learning. After one month, beginning students can expect to have learned how to play one piece of music of their choosing and one piece of music chosen by me. After a few months of studying with me, they can expect to have gained basic music reading skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Steinway Baby Grand Piano, 76 key Casio keyboard, Dell All In One 20" desktop, music software and music theory games

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical and popular repertoire. I have taught other styles as well as improvisation. I utilize a student centered approach structuring lessons to suit each student's individual goals.

ding. I exhibit patience with the student knowing what it takes to develop new skills and I work hard in helping each student feel at ease in expressing themselves. I have used many different materials over the years, depending on the individual student's needs and desires to play their music. I do stress learning to read music notation so that you can approach with confidence any piece of music that you would like to play. With the proper dedication, every student can enjoy making music in a short period of time, getting better and better along their musical journey.

*** Specialties ***
I have used many of the published methods for all of the instruments over the years. I am always open to any approach that will work for any given student.

g chords to follow most any style. I also enjoy teaching some music theory (the rules of music) in written, sight singing, and piano chords, if requested. Music theory along with voice and instrument lessons can provide a further understanding of each musical concept.

My training first began in elementary school, in Virginia Beach, VA, when I took my first group voice lessons and concert band classes as a beginning flutist. I continued my study with a large home school band in the 7th grade. I was then chosen to play the flute in an All City Band in Virginia Beach, for excellence in my performance skills. From there I continued my study at a private school in Virginia Beach with many chorus, band, and youth band classes to further my music reading and improvisational performance skills. At age eighteen I moved to Tampa, FL and became a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in Music at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). I graduated from HCC with an AA in Liberal Arts/Music. I was then accepted to further my music study at the University of South Florida (USF). I studied voice and a sampling of other instruments in the Music Education program. I graduated with two and one-half years of music education training and another four years of voice training with a BA in Music Studies. Also, during my college years I participated in the elite USF Chamber Singers, the University Singers, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, and many studio recitals. 

In 2013 I completed my fourth year of music teaching in a small private school in Tampa, FL. I have sang with Opera Tampa since their 2012-2013 season in the professional opera chorus for productions such as Carmen, The Magic Flute, and Madame Butterfly. I have continued to add new performance jobs with The Princeton Festival in Princeton, NJ (2014), St. Petersburg Opera in St Pete, FL , and the Tampa Spiritual Ensemble performing in the surrounding Tampa Bay areas. In addition, I continue my studies part time at the Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa.  

I look forward to working with you to make all your music dreams come true! So, let's make beautiful music together very soon!  

*** Lesson Details ***
When taking lessons with me you can expect to learn in a very positive, encouraging, and laid back environment! I believe that learning is fun, very rewarding, and never stops. I plan to continue learning more about my craft for the rest of my life and I would encourage my students of all ages to adopt this mentality also. 

For voice lessons I like to begin with warm-ups and breathing exercises that can be modified to any style of songs. Then to song selections that will be enjoyable, yet helpful in making your voice better. For opera style I primarily use the G. Schirmer Opera Anthology books, and Hal Leonard published anthology series' for different art songs. For all other vocal styles I enjoy using various published individual-song sheet music or CDs and accompaniment tracks. Along the way giving all applicable tips for producing better sound, projection, breathing, phrasing, and musicality.

For flute lessons I would begin with scales or simple exercises. Then to specific pieces that you would want to work on or techniques from the Accent on Achievement or Standards of Excellence book series'.

For piano lessons I would begin with finger stretches, scale warm-ups and/or easy chords or pieces to get the fingers ready to practice. Then I would progress to your chosen pieces or a book from the Alfred or Bastien Piano Book series', which includes books for all levels and styles. 

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide CDs and/or lesson books, if needed.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal: Up to advanced level Classical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, R&B, Pop, Gospel, Sight-reading
Flute: Up to Intermediate level Classical, Sight-reading
Piano: Beginner & Intermediate levels Classical, Chord Theory, Sight-reading

may go over some orchestra music the student is learning at school, or we might go over some music theory homework, or perhaps a combination of the two (I frequently incorporate music theory into violin and viola lessons anyway). Or, maybe the student wants to learn a popular piece ("Let It Go" and other Disney songs are favorites of many students).

I may also assign different etudes (pieces designed to focus on a specific technique), scales, and repertoire for the student to study and improve on. The repertoire I chose will be challenging to the student and will server as a tool to help the student improve on one or more aspects of their playing. For younger students, we start off very slow in order to avoid injury and to make sure we get the basics down 100% before moving on into reading and playing music.

It is important to remember that every student is different, and every lesson I teach is tailored to each student; for this reason, I never teach the same lesson twice!

As a teacher, I am stern, but I also have a good sense of humor. I love to have fun. I feel that I connect very well with my students, because I am personable and understanding, but also direct and strict. My philosophy about teaching music is that music is a gift that is meant to be enjoyed. Practicing music should not be like homework! Every time the student picks up his or her instrument, he or she should feel excited about making music. I have taught all kinds of students, ranging from five year olds who are playing music for the first time, to high school seniors preparing for a college audition, to adults in their late fifties who want to pick up a violin or viola as a hobby. My goal is to make the student the best musician he or she can be, while making sure he or she maintains an appreciation for music in general.

Music to me is, in a way, therapeutic at times. It simply feels good to play music! I invite you to take the steps to experiencing the same joy I get from playing music every day. When you do decide to begin, I would be honored to guide you along the way.

*** Lesson Details ***
Required Materials: (Try to have these by the first lesson)

Instrument and bow, case
Shoulder rest (Kun is a good student-level brand)
Rosin (light in color - works better in hotter climates)
Cleaning cloth (to wipe away excess rosin)
Music (to be determined)

Optional Materials:

Instrument polish
String cleaner (liquid)
Extra strings

*** Travel Equipment ***
My violin, my viola, and a whole stack of music.

*** Specialties ***
+ Contemporary and 20th Century music
+ Beginning-intermediate music theory
+ Primary age instruction (ages 7-10)
+ Middle & High school orchestra music
+ College audition preparation
+ All-County, All-State, Master Musician, and Solo & Ensemble preparation
+ Orchestra audition preparation
+ Audition techniques and approaches
+ Performance practice and dealing with anxiety
+ Beginning music composition techniques

dults at all levels.

I am able to adapt my teaching style to my students' unique way of thinking and communicate musical concepts in a way they can understand. I believe in not only teaching how to play the piano, but also the "language of music." This provides students with a holistic understanding that encompasses theory, technique, sight reading, basic composition, and performance, all while sharing my personal joy of music.

I am currently living in Clermont, FL and am specializing in teaching teens and adults. I feel that high expectations for my students encourages them to reach for the best of themselves, achieve the highest standards and carry their musical training into their future lives.

trument of choice. So whatever you'd like to work on I can help.

Can't wait to meet you! :)

-Jess