Lawrence Music Lessons

youth productions, or teaching the next generation of music lovers how to navigate the keys. And while I perform mostly Broadway-style music now, my classical training continues to serve me well; using good technique not only allows me to play more accurately and expressively, it also protects me from injuries that might otherwise arise from long rehearsals and a busy performance schedule.

I'm excited about where my musical journey has taken me, and I look forward to helping you start or continue yours.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm serious about making sure my students learn basic skills, like reading notes and rhythms and learning to interpret music artistically, that will serve them not only as developing pianists but in any future musical endeavors. To that end, I choose method books (such as the Faber Piano Adventures series) and supporting materials that build a strong foundation of musical knowledge, and I help each student construct a practice schedule that's appropriate to his or her level.

However, although I do maintain a certain amount of structure, I am very patient and relaxed in my approach to each individual student. I recognize that not everyone learns at the same speed or in the same way, so as long as I can tell you're putting in the effort, I will also try my hardest to find what works for you! And I know it's easiest to stay motivated when working on music you love, so I like to supplement the regular lesson materials with music of the student's choice, whether that means offering a selection of level-appropriate classical pieces, helping locate an arrangement of a favorite song, or coming up with our own arrangement if a good one doesn't already exist. And while my own background is strongest in classical and Broadway styles, I'm happy to have students work on music from any genre. One of the best parts of teaching is when I get to learn something new as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Malden studio: Dedicated studio with 88-key weighted keyboard, recording equipment, and large collection of sheet music. Parents can sit in on lessons or wait downstairs. Parking in driveway or on street. We have cats.

Bedford studio: Front room setup for lessons with upright piano and stereo. Laptop available to record lessons. Parents can sit in on lessons. Parking available in driveway and street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide a piano or suitable keyboard (88 keys, weighted keys or at least somewhat touch-sensitive, with a clear piano sound). For vocal students, it would be helpful for them to have a separate music stand as well.

*** Specialties ***
In terms of vocal music, I am definitely most comfortable with Broadway-style repertoire, but I have experience with some of the classical repertoire as well. As a pianist I have a solid classical background but am also very familiar with Broadway playing styles; I think I've done a little of everything at this point, so I could adapt to any interests my students might have. I am trained in the Taubman piano technique, which focuses on healthy, effective motions, so I try to incorporate some elements of that in my teaching, to the extent
that I think a particular student will benefit from it.

As for methods: for beginning and intermediate piano students I tend to use the Faber Piano Adventures series, supplemented by additional exercise books (Dozen a Day, for example), simple classical pieces (Bastien publishes a book that I like), or other materials depending on the student's interest and level of achievement (pop, Broadway, etc.). For advanced students I would use different exercise books (Hanon, Czerny, etc.) and focus more on repertoire than method, continuing to teach theory and technique as it comes up.

For vocal students I have mostly stuck to whatever materials/repertoire the student was most interested in, plus vocal exercises to support any problems or challenges they might be working on (e.g., range, vowel formation, learning a healthy mix/belt technique).

ed violin teachers who have sought me out to improve their techniques for best teaching practices. From my 30+ years of private violin teaching and observing how children learn, I developed a super fun groundbreaking class in New York City for 2.5 to 5 year old beginners called Crackerjack Kidz! And a few years ago, I wrote a text to accompany young students and their families.

I continuously work to be a master teacher dedicated to the very best methods, using a variety and combination of techniques and strategies tailored to the student's musical success and enjoyment.

My specialties include music-based early childhood development, adult beginners and continuing learners, intermediate and advanced players, and chamber music coaching.

I welcome you to start your family's musical journey with me!

*** Lesson Details ***
While each lesson is different, we always try to spend a little time warming up, making sure we're comfortable and free of tension, reviewing what we've worked on, and layering in new concepts each time. We also learn age appropriate music theory (the "why's" of how music works), we exercise our imaginations, and we learn how to effectively practice.

We learn to think, solve problems, hear the music in our minds, and coordinate our bodies to play beautifully! Along the way we learn skills for life, the joy of accomplishment, and love of ourselves and others!

Whether you're a toddler or a senior, violin can always teach new things and help students appreciate more about themselves and the world!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room with keyboard and computer. Parents can sit it on lessons, and are enouraged to do so with young students.

*** Specialties ***
I'm a classically trained violinist and a master teacher with over 30 years of experience. I've been teaching Suzuki violin to children ages 3 and up for my whole career, and I'm also extremely comfortable with traditional methods for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students of any age.

My specialties include:
music-based early childhood development
adult beginners and continuing learners
intermediate and advanced players
chamber music coaching.

edge of the subject rather than just learning to play. I have high expectations for my students, yet I am patient and understanding. At times lessons may be challenging, but they will also be fun!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the students to have a keyboard/piano appropriate to their level of playing for us to have our lesson on. I will provide any books or supplementary material that may be needed. Any books purchased specifically for that student will need to be reimbursed.

*** Specialties ***
Teaching young beginners and elementary age children.

theory, charts, examples, and exercises, as well as anything you hear on
the radio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a lot of guitars, amps, pedals, woodwind instruments, keyboards, and recording equipment. Instruments everywhere!

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students should have their own instrument and method book. Other that that, I provide all other handouts and supplemental material and handouts.

*** Specialties ***
I work the most in rock, bluegrass, country, contemporary, and jazz styles.

choosing their own songs, and even adding their own riffs/runs/ornamentations.

I also place a heavy focus on music theory and sight-singing (I offer private lessons in these subjects separately as well); It is extremely important for young singers to be able to read the notes on the staff, to understand rhythm and key, and to find pitches on the piano.

I accept beginning-intermediate singers of all ages. I additionally offer music theory, sight-singing, diction, and acting lessons.

am Stewart Concerto Competition, winner of the 2011 Manilow Soloist Competition, and featured soloist at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts Recital. Jessica has performed with the Ithaca New Music Collective, Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and the Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

When not making music and teaching, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and her small pups, Lyla and Luna. She enjoys crafting, hiking, reading, and discovering.

With over ten years of experience, teaching is one of Jessica's greatest passions as a musician. She believes that private lessons are one of the best ways to enrich the learning of music. Her lessons provide a completely individualized session focused on expression, confidence, technique, and an overall love of music.

Jessica offers lessons for all ages and abilities in 30-min, 45-min, or 60-min lessons. Please contact Jessica for rates and scheduling.

n, which includes a short lesson/evaluation of a potential student and an interview between myself and the student's parents.

de bassists Ben Street, Dave Holland, Cecil McBee, and Donald Palma, pianists Ethan Iverson and Frank Carlberg, and trumpet player John McNeil.

ssa teaches mainly musical theatre and classical repertoire.