Davenport Music Lessons

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!!!

valuated by developing a set of goals specific to each student. I find that allowing students input in originating goals facilitates a cooperative learning environment and allows me to tailor lessons to a student's interests, strengths and learning preferences. Providing students with a plan to succeed inspires a drive to learn and sense of achievement. I encourage students to play their instruments daily. Through consistent practice, students will benefit from increased discipline, patience, creativity and self-esteem. Students are rewarded with the chance to share what they've learned at recitals held biannually. For the duration of our lesson, my students are in a private, nurturing zone of free expression. Join me in an exploration of personal talent and creativity!

Nicole has performed with the Rollins College Bach Festival Society Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. John V. Sinclair. She has also performed with the Florida Space Coast Philharmonic under the direction of Dr. Candler Schaffer. She is experienced as a session musician, recording vocals and violin at Wright Entertainment Group Studios (Justin Timberlake) with producer Will Baker (India Arie, Pink). She has performed as a soloist at the White House, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Amway Arena, and Hard Rock Live.

Nicole holds Bachelor of Arts degrees (with honors) in Music and Anthropology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Rollins College. A member of the Honors Program (top 2%), and one of nine Cornell Scholars in her graduating class, she is very grateful to have been awarded a full academic scholarship. Nicole pursued concentrations in Violin and Vocal Performance, as well as Ethnomusicology. Nicole served as co-concertmaster of the Rollins College Orchestra and String Ensemble for three, consecutive years, under the direction of Dr. John V. Sinclair. She was featured at Christmas Vesper services in a solo performance of Winter (The Four Seasons) by Vivaldi, at the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Nicole has studied violin with Joni Roos and Alvaro Gomez, protege of David Oistrakh. She has performed as a soloist with the Rollins College Gospel and Concert Choirs and studied vocal pedagogy and performance with Dr. Edmund Leroy and Dr. Lori Lovell. At Rollins, Nicole studied piano with Dr. Gloria Cook and enjoys playing classical, jazz, and Latin styles. Nicole has studied classical guitar for seven years and especially enjoys playing Latin American folk music and flamenco. Nicole pursued her love of world music in publishing her senior honors thesis, “Cultural Fusion of Music Constructs: A Look at Hybrid World Styles,” analyzing the effects of globalization on traditional, ethnic musics. She has published research in the Rollins Undergraduate Research Journal, where she also served as Music and Anthropology Editor for three years.

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In 2012, she created a piano curriculum that uses animals to teach note reading and piano. Creating this curriculum makes learning music FUN!

All along the way, she was teaching private music students, Kindermusik and also Homeschooling her three children for 10 years.
Using several curriculum for phonics, and reading, while Homeschooling, is why she is offering this service through Take Lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
FUN and More FUN can be expected with the background of Kindermusik and Homeschooling! Bonnie has learned that students best respond to learning if the environment is FUN and engaging. Through homeschooling and her years of teaching background, your students can expect LOTS of PATIENCE because Bonnie relates to each student and how they learn best on an individual level. Every student has a different way they learn, and Bonnie quickly tunes in to their way of learning.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Oboe, Recorder,Bagpipes (chanter), Flute, Keyboard
Student should have their own instrument

*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard for Piano
Student should have their own instrument

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, Classical

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*** Studio Equipment ***
piano in the Florida music studio, I have a piano at home,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will give information to my students regarding the instrument and other important equipment.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Suzuki and classical method (Essential Elements for strings by M. Allen).
Through the Suzuki method young children master basic musical skills, improve listening ability, and acquire physical comfort with their instrument and with performing. Intermediate and advanced students learn to read music, improve technical proficiency, and play skill specific repertoire.
Essential Elements for strings is designed to guide students gradually through the development of pedagogical and musical techniques necessary to become a proficient, well-rounded musician through a carefully planned succession of pieces.

ormances, etc. to this day. I have consistently auditioned for All-County performances all throughout middle and high school with flute, and have received top positions.

I have been playing piano since 1998, taken piano lessons for 7 years, and performed in several recitals.

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.

I've also enjoyed venturing into the world of graphic design, and since Fall 2015, have been running my own tiny little design business. 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! I strive in cozy 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.

**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!

ing style a student may have. I am capable of teaching all styles of guitar at any skill level with an emphasis on ear training and general knowledge of guitar techniques.

Slight disclaimer in regards to lesson length, price, and student interest:

Over the past year or so I have tried a new teaching structure that I find to be quite rewarding for myself and the students I have had. My lessons do not have a maximum time limit, meaning a lesson could go for 2 hours, if that is what the student wanted, for the same price as a 45 min lesson.

This may sound strange in that I would be losing out on a large amount of potential money but the simple answer is this: I love music and guitar as well as teaching music and guitar. If we are in the middle of a great topic that you, the student, is really interested in, there is no way that I am simply going to stop talking about it when the "timer" stops and there is no way I am going to charge you more for getting into a topic you want to learn.

I find that students who spend more time in the lessons tend to become more interested in guitar and thus, better at playing. I do have to instill a minimum time limit of 45 mins however, any less is honestly just not enough time to get anything worth while accomplished.

One last thing, music and guitar have made up the majority of my daily routine for the past 10 or so years and have literally paid for everything that I currently own as I have never had any other type of job. What this means is that I take the craft very seriously and I project that in the lessons. Basically, if you are genuinely interested in learning guitar and music at any skill level, I will show you everything I possibly can to let you meet your goals. However, if you do not take it seriously, as in you don't pick up or even think about the guitar except for lesson days, the lessons may quickly feel pointless.

For more information on what I teach, feel free to look into the category entitled "Guitar" as well as any of the other subcategories that you are interested in.

joy classical music, I am also very skilled in other genres especially reggae music from the island of Jamaica. I play at various churches, events, weddings, etc and I look forward to sharing my expertise with all of you!