Ozona Music Lessons

sical, pop and new age piano music. For jazz enthusiasts, Jim teaches how to play jazz from a "fake book" and improvise. For rock and pop, Jim teaches how to learn songs from a CD where there is no sheet music. For advanced players, Jim can coach the student through the music of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart and prepare for a college auditions. Jim can also teach how MIDI and recording works and the student can even make a CD or MP3 of their own creation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Dedicated music room is also a recording studio in my home. Digital piano (full-size, weighted keys, sustain pedal) synthesizers and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I don't provide equipment, student must have an instrument to play on.

*** Specialties ***
In teaching piano, i can teach the student who is at least intermediate how to play jazz with all the jazz chords with inversions, improvisation, and reading music from a "fake book"

the circle of fifths and the relationship of intervals and modes.
I want my student to understand how music is made and why it sounds the way it does.
My students will recognize sounds and modes and chords between different songs even if they are hearing them for the first time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The in-studio lessons are taught in the largest room in the house. The room includes a guitar, bass, 88 key weighted keyboard, and drum kits. Seating is available. No pets.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Casio Privia Electric piano. 88 weighted keys. Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. Yamaha Bass. Tama Drums.

*** Specialties ***
all styles

Jazz.

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 provide a keyboard for demos and use for students, a flute for demos, CDs, and some lesson books.

*** 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

teach the African Djembe instrument.
Play to and create drum/bass/percussion loops.

y Gaga, No Doubt, Bush, , The White Stripes, Green Day, Arctic Monkeys, Taylor Swift, Cage The Elephant, Miranda Lambert, Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Alanis Morrisette and more.

Chrissy was Lead Guitarist Co-Writer for the Rock band Someday Souvenir (Winner of MTV Takes The Stage contest), American Idol Finalist Melissa McGhee (Season 5) She currently plays in a Top 40 cover band as well as an original Rock band. Chrissy has been in Billboard Magazine, Creative Loafing, Tampa Tribune and TBO online. Clips of Chrissy playing guitar with different artist have been on CNN, MTV, FOX News, ABC, NBC and VH1.

Chrissy is constantly continuing her education with music theory books, video’s, guitar music, as well as private guitar instruction. She has attended guitar workshops and seminars by artists such as Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) Gary Hoey, Joe Satriani and more

Another nice feature that you might enjoy from one on one sessions with Chrissy is learning the ability to craft and record your own songs using technology that caters to your own unique personality. There are no limits! Chrissy’s students advance quickly and some have released albums, been in Guitar World Magazine, and won awards for their music.

Lessons are scheduled to best fit to the students schedule when possible.

Students can contact Chrissy anytime with question regarding their lesson through email or text. Chrissy is a very patient instructor and understands that students learn at a different pace, after all everyone is an individual!

*** Software / gear used to enhance lesson ***

Rocksmith software

Riff Station for guitar

Laptop with Garage Band/Backtrack, Guitar Pro Tab & iTunes

M13 Line 6 effects and looper

Roland Amp

Various guitars depending on project

PRIVATE STUDENT REVIEWS :
Here's what my personal students & clients have to say:

Slader P."By far the most outstanding teacher I took lessons from. I took lessons from Chrissy for over 7 years and I can truly say she's an incredible teacher. She's fun to work with, very patient with both new and intermediate players, and has a background knowledge on a many genres of music. I would recommend Chrissy to anyone! "​

Sam F.Chrissy is a talented musician and a gifted teacher. We are very happy to have her teaching our daughter.She is responsible, accessible and responsive. Rate A+++"​

Matt R. (St Petersburg Police Officer)Excellent!

MJ K."Chrissy D. is a wonderful teacher. She is a patient and kind. She gives exercises to work on during the week and has explained that by practicing just a little each day she will improve. My daughter looks forward to lessons each week. "​

Susan F."Chrissy taught my teenage son for several years in my home. She is very talented, has a flexible teaching style and does a great job with different personalities. She always kept my son engaged and was very encouraging. She is reliable, timely and communicates well. I highly recommend her!"​

TS K."Chrissy taught both of my boys ages 10 and 11 to play the guitar. She was awesome and they couldn't wait until their lesson each week. Chrissy was always punctual and full of spunk. They learned very cool tunes that were current so they really enjoyed it!"​

Dana Jim L."We have really enjoyed our daughter having lessons with Chrissy. She is great with kids and in only a few lessons, our child can play the guitar! Amazing!"

ons/concerns between lessons. This gives my students the ability to get through a challenging or difficult concept/strategy when its happening and not have to wait till the next lesson.

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

Can't wait to meet you! :)

-Jess