Waimanalo Music Lessons

ly a few years of
practice, I started playing professionally, in bands and solo guitar.
Live playing experience, I believe, is the most important experience
that any musician can have, in that, the most important part of music
is how it sounds, and playing in front of people is the quickest way
to learn how to play effectively. And this is what I teach; how to
be a musician, not just a technician.

*** Lesson Details ***
A student can expect a curriculum tailor-made to their needs and personality. Every person learns differently and this is an important distinction in my teaching style. Some students need a strong hand to keep them working, others need to find many different ways to the same conclusion to keep them focused, while still others need a laid-back friend in order to accept knowledge.

I stress rhythmic literacy, for, as my jazz teacher always said, "rhythm is king." If composition is important to you, then we'll focus on music theory, but if you're just wanting to learn how to play some fun rock tunes with your friends on the weekends, we can do that as well. As I stated before, we'll get you playing in front of people in no time.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide an amplifier, a loner guitar (if needed), staff and/or tablature paper, metronome, pens and paper for the lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Music theory and composition, guitar, bass, lute, beginner to intermediate piano
Classical, shred, blues, and rock guitar; renaissance lute; blues, rock and slap bass; composition of many styles; world music.

veled to China as the concertmaster of KSU Symphony Orchestra for a three-concert tour that included a performance at the Central Conservatory in Beijing. In 2012 I moved to Chicago to pursue my Graduate Degree in Violin Performance at DePaul University School of Music. I served as the concertmaster of DePaul University Symphony Orchestra and was very lucky to learn from some great world-class musicians and professors. I never stopped teaching, even while being in school I had 20+ students I was teaching full time. I love to teach because it gives me great joy to share my passion with other people.

After my husband got a job with the Navy Fleet Band, we moved to Hawaii. If you are looking for experienced, patient teacher for your child or for yourself, I am a perfect match. Please read the reviews my former students/parents were kind to leave on my profile.

*** Lesson Details ***
I conduct my lessons in a friendly and non-stressful way. I am a very patient and enthusiastic person. If the student has a willingness to learn, I make sure that I do everything to capitalize on that and help them to reach their highest potential.
I structure my lessons to be very organized so we do not lose any time. I always give 100% of my energy in every lesson. I try to make the lesson interesting so it never gets boring for the student by teaching technical aspects and fundamentals as well as exploring a wide variety of styles and genres of music.
I require all of my students to practice at home. Practice is essential in making music. If the student does not practice he or she is not going to learn as fast and it will take a while to improve in their playing.
I do not teach all of my students the same way. I try to find different approaches for every student in order to accommodate their level of playing and their needs. I believe that there is no one perfect method to teach a student. I usually combine traditional and Suzuki methods. I construct the lesson based on what student needs to work on to improve as well as what student wants to learn. I always talk to the student to make sure that we have set the same goals, because I believe that it is important to be on the same page with the student.
I also do not have any age limits for my students. I believe that children of a very young age are very observant and open minded. I can start teaching a child as early as 4 years old. I also believe that it is never too late to start learning to play an instrument.

***Cancellation policy***
I understand that emergencies happen. Please be kind enough to contact me as soon as you know that you won't be able to make it to the lesson so we can reschedule or cancel without you being charged for it.
If you cancel your lesson less than an hour before its scheduled time, the lesson will be counted as attended. If the lesson is canceled at least an hour before its scheduled time, it will be rescheduled or cancelled without it being counted as attended.

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room studio set up, chair/couch for seating, driveway parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to have an instrument, a music stand and a willingness to learn. I provide some teaching materials, but it might be necessary for you to purchase one or two music books.

*** Specialties ***
Traditional and Suzuki methods.

ion and programming.

As a composer, she studied with Robert Frank, Mark Dal Porto and attended masterclasses with Donald Erb, Wynton Marsalis and Samuel Adler to name a few. Her compositions have been performed in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida. A commissioned composer, her Dualities for Clarinet, Brass Ensemble, Electronics and Percussion; Fantasia pour Cor; Feline Romp for solo clarinet; works performed in the classical idiom.Plains of Lhasa and Tearing were composed in the electro-acoustic medium. She is a member of ASCAP, TMEA, TODA, ASTA, and self publishes. She has performed internationally and in addition to her professional schedule, taught music technology related courses and music theory as an adjunct professor at Collin College, Spring Creek Campus and maintains an active private teaching studio in Dallas and Clute, Texas; along with her duties as a faculty member in the music department at Brazosport College and former Head Director of the orchestra program at Brazosport High School and its feeder school system.

as Narzerath House, Bay View, Bella Vista, Monte Vista Village, and La Mesa Health Care Center, as well as making In-Home visits. I also have experience playing therapeutic music at over 20 facilities in Oahu, Hawaii, where I currently reside. These include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities! I also have experience playing for the actively dying for hospice and consider it an honor to be of musical assistance for people in transition.

I love to teach and can make my harp and voice lessons unique to each individual based on their current skill level. I love watching people expand and grow through music. Your lessons will be engaging, compassionate, fun, and organized! Each lesson will encourage you to become excited about your musical growth and inspire you to continue. I offer something unusual for a harp teacher in that I can teach both improvisation and music theory for the harp. This means that you will get the best of both worlds!

I also have obtained education from the Self-Heal School of Herbal Studies here in San Diego, where I have learned about herbal medicine. I am well versed in many alternative therapies (such as E.F.T., mindfulness meditation, therapeutic music, Ayurvedic medicine, amino acid therapy, etc.) and can provide compassion, understanding, and strategies for alleviating suffering as a Life Coach. My education towards my Master's degree in Psychology also helps me increase my understanding of the human condition and offer additional support for anxiety, depression, addiction, and other stresses. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life of freedom, safety, comfort, and relaxation. I hope to provide loving assistance for anyone seeking someone who cares and will put in the time to truly listen and provide helpful feedback.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please let me know how I can be of service to you!

nteresting and fun? You’re right! For the best results you need to enjoy the entire process. That is why my lessons are always easy to understand, interesting and fun.
I would love the opportunity to assist in your growth and development in the musical arts and remember… you’re never too young or too old to start!!!

to suggest songs that they care about. Good technique(s) can be applied to any repertoire!

c Music & Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice Hawaii and the Director of Music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu.

WHAT DO I TEACH?
I teach piano, organ, and voice.
*Piano: All levels from beginning to professional
*Organ: All levels from beginning to professional
*Voice: Beginning and those working with music theater

WHERE DO I TEACH?
*Piano: In Mililani, St Peter’s Episcopal, and online
*Organ: St. Peter’s Episcopal and possibly online
*Voice: St. Peter’s Episcopal (no online voice lessons)
NOTE: Parents are welcomed to attend the lessons!
In fact, I encourage that!!

WHAT IS MY STYLE OF TEACHING?
Every student is different and what works for one may not work with another. It's important for me to know my students so I can better shape the lesson. I love questions, reflection, and even humor. I'm also very patient and understanding. We are all very busy and accept that students may have weeks they can't practice a huge amount of time. As long as some progress is made at lessons, all is well!