Ruskin, FL Piano Lessons

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

ool Districts for over five years. Shortly after receiving her master€'s degree for Literacy Education, Nicole decided to attempt to share her passion for music. In 2007, Nicole opened a music studio in Holbrook, New York. Here, she refined her music teaching skills while establishing Nicolex Inc. Music Island as a leading source of quality music education. Her summer traveling music program allowed her students to experience live performances as well as create music groups with peers with the same passion for music.
Nicole now resides in Tampa, Florida with hopes to spread her business as well as the joy of music to children and adults. She currently is the drummer for a local original Soul/Rock band. Needless to say, she understands the importance that music has had in her life and wishes to ignite that passion in other music lovers.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is best labeled as kind but firm. I take my job very seriously and want wholeheartedly for my students to have music as a part of their life, not just a part of their day. I love to laugh and have fun but I will definitely expect my students to practice and complete any homework I assign and be prepared for the following lesson. Simply stated, music is fun and the love of my life, but if I still practice, you will as well. Otherwise, I always believe in teaching songs my students are interested in and will expand their musical skills. My experience as a public school teacher had enhanced my sense of finding individual needs of every student. Therefore, I always differentiate lessons to suit my students interest while teaching them the foundations every musician needs in order to be successful. My specialty is teaching a variety of instruments. I play drums, guitar, bass, piano, and sing as well. So, if one instrument is not for you, I can teach you something different without a problem. Long story short, friends, you are in good hands.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full Service music room: Keyboard, Full drum kit, Electric Guitar with 30 watts Amp and Microphone/ vocal monitor.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a 76 key Yahama YPG-235 Keyboard for your household to use for lessons for a small monthly rental fee. I have an Epiphone Electric Guitar with 30w amplifier. Will also bring microphone and monitor for vocal lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I have taught mostly Rock, Blues, and Classical genres for Piano, Guitar, Drums. Vocally, I specialize in R&B, Broadway, Pop, Top 100 and alternative/Hard Rock. I will adapt to your needs.

ke a career in music. Some people have come seeking help with their speaking voice for public speaking. My goal is to help my students meet and exceed their goals and have more life through the joy of music, to help them gain greater appreciation of music and increase their confidence both in music and in life!

*** Lesson Details ***
When a student and I first meet I ask the student what her/his hopes, goals, tastes and prior experience are. Then we talk about plans for achieving those hopes and goals.

Most of my students are studying music just because they love music and want to improve for their own benefit. Because of that, while I want students to progress, I am very patient. I understand that some weeks it's harder to find time for practice. I provide instruction and tools for growth, and show how to practice, then the students go home, use them and discover what works best for them.

Vocal lessons are tailored to each individual. Exercises include posture, breathing, diction, projection of the voice, unification of the voice, improvement of tone, range and flexibility. Healthy, beautiful singing is the goal. The confidence that goes along with that is amazing!

CDs with exercises and accompaniments are provided. And students can make CDs of their own performances!

Piano instruction is also tailored to the needs of each individual student. With young beginners I often use the "Faber" method. It has books for music theory, technique, lessons and performance. And students enjoy playing along with the Cd that goes with their pieces.

For older beginners, including adults, I often use the "Bastien, Older Beginner" or "Alfred, Adult Beginner". Both quickly teach melody and chord reading so that students can play more interesting pieces within a month. The lesson materials are supplemented by simple classical pieces or other music the student is interested in.

When a student comes in with prior training I continue with what she/he has been working on and adjust it as necessary. Literature for more advanced students is chosen with their abilities, technical and expressive needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio area is closed off from the rest of the house. There is a small seating area for parents which is separated by a screen from the lesson area. I have a Yamaha CVP-103 digital keyboard with weighted and touch sensitive keys, plus lots of different instrument sounds and beats to make playing and singing more fun. I can also adjust the pitch of songs so that they fit the student's voice. The keyboard is plugged into a Super Scope Cd recorder; a microphone is plugged in as well. This allows me to make recordings of accompaniments and practice exercises, as well as recording students' performances. (See below for photos.)

*** Specialties ***
I have been teaching professionally since 1987; I have Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music. I discover the goals a student has and give them the tools to reach those goals. My teaching style is structured yet highly personalized for the individual. I teach music ranging from Classical to Popular always using the best techniques.

al graduate assistant at the University of South Florida. I hold both a B.A.in Music Education and an M.A. in Vocal Performance with Voice, Choral, Music Education and Piano Pedagogy emphasis.

I have adjudicated for the Florida Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festivals and the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions. Former students are pursuing careers as performers, composers, music teachers and music ministers ..........and singing to their babies!

*** Lesson Details ***

Piano Study

I provide a variety of instruction: Classical, Traditional and Worship Chords/Chord Chart approach with Improvisation.

Lessons and curriculum are tailored to the students abilities and interests.Note reading and/or chord chart playing, classical or popular music with beginning improvisation skills can be pursued.
However, beginners should understand that there are skills everyone needs to begin with to progress into any style.

I incorporate duet playing to enhance beginner songs and to teach ensemble playing at all levels.
Most of my students pursue piano for their own enjoyment or for ensemble,church and social gatherings. However, because of 2 years of piano study at the University level, I am very comfortable with those who wish to prepare for competition and advanced study.

I teach private lessons to ages 8 & up.
For Younger Students I offer 4 Music Enrichment small classes with guardians in the SUMMER, with a more play-like approach to music readiness activities; such as movement songs developing steady beat, rhythm awareness, finger dexterity and form. The 4 hour long classes are the same charge as 2 half hour private lessons.

Vocal Study

Vocal students often come wanting to sing the current Pop or Rock songs they sing along wit . Although I will use these songs for competitions or fun pieces, these popular songs often don't lend themselves to vocal study very well. Even Pop and Rock singers study with the classics of Jazz, Pop and Broadway to develop their voice. I am best versed at literature from Classical, Broadway, Classic Pop and Jazz, Folk, Traditional Sacred and Contemporary Christian Styles.

We are beautifully and wonderfully made in such a way that certain foundational, physical aspects of singing will help everyone. I teach the foundations for a physiologically correct technique that enhances every style. This has helped all singers, including those who are experiencing discomfort when they sing.

Singing is as natural to me as speaking but I wasn't always this way. That's why I love to help anyone become comfortable or better at expressing themselves through singing. Vocal students of all levels, beginning to advanced, are welcome.

Singing is a very individual thing and I approach each student uniquely. I have multiple experiences and styles to draw from.

I prefer to teach lessons to age 11 & up but will work with younger students if they are ready.

Vocal students can receive music reading training if they desire it, but since 30 minutes is a minimum for developing physical foundational techniques and music selections, lessons would need to be 45 minutes or an hour to include vocal sight reading.
I love helping students expand their ability, whatever their starting point. Musicality is even more important than a display of difficult music, so I take time to encourage expressiveness.

Our initial session,
I am interested in learning about each student's personal tastes, and any past experiences and goals. Then we will proceed to explore their instrument, whether it is their own voice or the piano.
A student's goals and resources will influence my choices from a wide variety of curriculum that are beneficial for steady progress. I will collaborate with them to choose musical selections, incorporating their goals and tastes.

___________________________________________________

Enjoying the ability to express oneself through music is of primary importance. While challenging my students to steadily grow in their capability, their appreciation of compositions and ability to communicate them; I also encourage their feedback to assess what works best for them.

I love helping students expand their ability, whatever their starting point. Musicality is even more important than a display of difficult music, so I take time to encourage expressiveness.

Older students need to be able to focus on developing technique and accept the home practice involved to learn ( and in the case of piano "read" ) and expressively sing/ play their selections.

Adult students are self directed and I accept their self pacing for home practice. But where parents are involved, I discuss a practice plan and encourage it. However, a student should never skip a lesson because they didn't practice. We all need a jump start sometimes.

Materials: I will discuss the need for curriculum with students before purchasing items.
Curriculum is chosen based on the students goals. There is a $2 monthly fee for piano students who will benefit from the sequential music games offered online through my teacher account.

s,
Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Classical, Broadway.

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar: Learning to properly handle the guitar, left and right hand techniques. learn to tune the instrument. read notes, and lean all major, minor, and seven chords by the end of book 1

Piano: learning all 12 scales by heart, proper fingers technique for both hands, reading both left and right hand notation by end of book 1.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Tascam D8000 40 Ch. Digital mixer
Alesus quad Reverb,
Yamaha EX5
Korg Sound module
Digitech Vocalist II Harmony...
Pro Tools 10
Sonar XL XIII
D Drums,
7 Pianos
5 Guitars,
Bass,
2 Saxophones

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone, Mic, Laptop, Amplifier, Karaoke hard drive, and software.

*** Specialties ***
Advanced Vocal Coaching, for professionals,
Pop, R&B, JAZZ, Classical, Broadway.

Composition for pro artists, 256 mix tracks, 48 khz,
Top of the line recording gear.

Classical guitar, Music Theory and Composition for writers.

for Tampa Students ONLY.

d my interest and fan the flames of inspiration.

I graduated from the University of Tampa in 2016 and hold a Bachelors degree in Music with a focus in Classical piano! I also got a chance to study under some amazing local musicians and honed my skills in Jazz piano, guitar and bass. I have performed with various jazz ensembles and combos, performed in rock bands that have toured as far as TN and music directed two musicals locally in Tampa! I have taught guitar, piano and voice for over 8 years and look forward to inspiring the next generation of musicians!