Groveland Music Lessons

nts. It enhances your mind, you can make wonderful friendships with like minded people, and constantly learn new tunes and genres. It just keeps you young at heart. I love spreading the Gospel of music. I am very patient and will teach my students everything I've learned over the past 40 years.

*** Lesson Details ***
I give 30 minute and 60 minute lessons. I recommend 30 minute lessons for beginners. I teach classical techniques for holding the instrument. Scales and intonation work are important, and can be integrated into simple songs so as not to be boring. Teach sight reading and auditory learning. Auditory is more important as Music is an auditory art. I am easy going and teach what the student wants to learn as everyone is on different levels and has different ways of learning. I also teach violin chords, and applied theory as to improvisation for playing. All skill levels welcome.

I use handouts from several different music books and will tailor them to your skill level. I do expect my students to find some time to practice what I give them. I really want my students to get all the bang they can for their buck

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room/open area setup for lessons with music stand. Parents can sit in on lessons. Parking in driveway and on street in cul de sac.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Stand, and my instrument and books. Student must have their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Methods: Sight reading, Auditory reading, some Suzuki, bowing techniques, genres; Old-Time, Irish, Bluegrass, some swing, cajun.
Currently playing in three bands.

faces often conveys pride over their achievement, and I can often sense a boost in their self-esteem. This is why I teach.

I began playing drums when I was around twelve years old, and played throughout grade school, high school and college, in school jazz bands and musical pit bands, as well as playing in many rock bands over the years. I began teaching drums shortly after graduating from college, eventually relocating to New York City, where I lived for 12 years and where I continued playing and teaching, as well as taking lessons on and off. I was very fortunate to study with Joe Morello - famous for his tenure with Dave Brubeck and especially on the classic recording "Take Five." I have also played on several recordings, toured throughout the Northeast and Midwest, and have performed at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, the Miami Music Festival, and have been overseas a few times for some European dates. Since moving to Orlando in late 2009, I played with a cover band, played drums and percussion in the orchestras for musical productions at community theaters, and currently play with a local Orlando rock band called the Cosmic Roots Collective.

To me, teaching drums is more than simply writing notes on a page of manuscript paper and having students practice and perform exercises. It is about connecting and showing them how expressing themselves musically can be one of the most fulfilling activities one can pursue. It is also about helping them really get in touch with their own sense of rhythm, the foundation of all music. When I take on new students, it is always my goal that I can help foster in them the same passion for and love of learning to play drums as the great teachers who taught me.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lesson plan will be based on the student's level and goals. If the student is a beginner, we will start off with basic hand technique, rudiments, reading, etc., before moving on to the drum set. Playing along with a metronome will also be a regular part of lessons and should be with practice as well.

At the drum set, I will give students exercises for developing coordination and independence. They will also learn to play basic beats for different music styles, e.g. rock, jazz, funk, latin, with a focus on execution, time and feel. I have a wide assortment of drum books spanning all levels from which we can work out of or use examples. I also ask my students what songs they want to learn to play on the drums so that together we can figure out the beats to them. I ultimately want them to be able to transcribe the beats to these songs themselves, as well as create their own beats.

I may also talk a little about the history of drumming and the pioneers of the instrument, and we may also listen to records and watch videos of some of the masters in action.

I also occasionally like to "jam" with my students. as I have a piano and a few guitars in my practice room and a modicum of ability on both instruments.

As far as expectations, I assume my students are taking lessons because they want to learn to play the drums. And, as with any learning endeavor, practicing is very important. That said, I won't demand they practice a certain number of hours per week, as they need to decide how much time they have or are willing to put into it, and I expect this will vary from student to student. I realize that everyone has his or her own aptitudes and situations, so we can work together to determine the appropriate pace and amount of material to cover per week. However, if it appears to me that the student has not practiced the lesson, or is not putting in the time necessary to make progress, I will politely point it out and ask how I can help.

I am laid back and very patient. I never want my students to feel pressured or anxious about coming to lessons; I always strive to create a comfortable and relaxed environment in which they can learn and have fun at the same time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A designated music room with an electronic drum set (Roland V Drums), digital piano, and a couple of guitars and amplifiers

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a practice pad or snare drum and sticks to the first lesson, if he or she is a beginner, although I prefer them to have these already if possible. After that, I expect the student to buy sticks, a pad and if necessary a stand to mount it, a metronome, music manuscript paper, and have a comfortable seat to sit on, if not a drum stool. If they are at the intermediate level and/or have already started on the drum set, then they need to have their own set in their home.

*** Specialties ***
Basic hand technique for beginners, eventually incorporating an extra limb, usually the bass drum first.

Rock and basic funk, jazz, and latin. Also basic musical notation. Ultimately, I would like the student to be able to transcribe the beats from some of their favorite songs, as well as write their own!

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.

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

ing flutist.

With a strong passion for collaborative performance, Mandy has participated in cross-disciplinary performances in the arts and has founded various chamber ensembles. These chamber ensembles include:The Elm Street Duo (flute and horn), Euphorbia Duo (flute and clarinet),V3N Trio ), and The Heights Consort (chamber ensemble). Participation in these ensembles has led to commissioning projects, unique performance opportunities, and continued inspiration in collaboration. Additonally, Mandy performs with professional ensembles in the Tampa Bay area including the ,Tampa Bay Symphony, Florida Wind Band, and South Shore Symphony. Her collaborative experiences in all mediums have led to international performance opportunities in Italy, Austria, and Czech Republic.

Dr. Swaim completed a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of North Carolina Greensboro where her studies focused on flute performance with an emphasis in early flute pedagogy. She holds both a Master of Music degree and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in music education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from University of South Florida. Her primary instructors have included Dr. Kim McCormick, Dr. Deborah Egekvist, Dr. Carla Copeland-Burns, and Dr. Erika Boysen

Chapin Theater, Orlando’s Plaza Theater, at Give Kids the World, Northland Church, and several other smaller venues across the east coast of the USA. In addition to her solo work, Vivian has performed as a choir member at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, the 2016 Invictus Games ceremony at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, the Bob Carr Theater in Orlando, and several other locations in the world. In the past 11 years, Vivian has performed in more than a dozen Epcot’s Candlelight Processional shows. In 2015, Vivian created, produced and directed a cabaret at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater in Orlando. Through the years, Vivian has had several vocal coaches including Sal Dupree, Wendy Martelli, Jonathan Cole, Rallia Westrick, Erin Boone, Katrina Rick, and is currently working with Elaine Pechacek. She hopes to combine the best of all voice instructors’ techniques to help each singer attain their singing goals in a safe and supportive environment.