Tallevast Music Lessons

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

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.

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 / HX 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!"

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!