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 singer for a local original rock band. In this band, Nicole writes songs, sings, plays guitar/piano (not all at the same time). 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.

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

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.

mes both children and adults of all ages. His extensive experience along with his creativity and sense of humor make him your perfect choice.

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

Can't wait to meet you! :)

-Jess

he student to have fun and love every lesson they take!

I am excited to share my passion and knowledge of music to the Tampa Bay area!

looking to learn how to improve myself.

Any student of mine will have 100% of my interest in their growth and development as a musician. I can work with a wide variance of ages, having experience in ages 4-12 year old children.

I look forward to meeting with you soon!