Sheldonville 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).

Jean has been teaching piano for 10 years.

*** Lesson Details ***
Within a lesson, students can expect to be given instruction on developing proper technique. (scales, chords, basic music theory etc). The learning environment will be laid back and fun, with the student and teacher setting goals together, and reasonable expectations will be held for both the student and teacher.

Jean will ask what it is in particular that the student is wanting to learn, and will seek to develop curriculum centered around the student's goals. Weekly practice (5 days a week, 20-30 minutes a day) will be the encouraged minimum. This will vary slightly depending on individual student needs.

Students will have the opportunity to learn to play music by composers such as Mozart and Bach. They can also learn how to play movie soundtracks, tunes from their favorite Broadway or Disney songs, and more! Vocal students will have the opportunity to learn show tunes, Italian arias, German songs, praise and worship songs, their favorites from musicals, and more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in living room with piano.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Classical,
Alfred, Thompson, Fletcher

feeds the other, is an ongoing process that requires a deepening awareness for the teaching artist of what their teaching brings to their art and what their art teaches them about learning.”

I am devoted and dedicated to helping find each of my students strengths, weaknesses and style of learning. Once I have identified these traits, I am able to develop lessons and repertoire that helps each students become the most efficient learner and best musician they can be.

I pride myself in creating a fun and safe learning environment in which I establish a firm musical foundation for my students. Lessons include: scales, etudes, articulation, dynamic and sight reading exercises, standard saxophone repertoire, recording and analyzing performances, saxophone/music history lessons, and exploration of the sounds, genres and artists of the saxophone.

Simultaneously, my students cultivate many other skills while learning how to play saxophone. Students enhance their fine motor skills and ability to memorize, students increase their overall self-confidence and become self-sufficient and creative problem solvers. I am passionate about educating and empowering my students and I enjoy connecting with a wide array of musicians of all ages, playing levels and backgrounds.

Feel free to contact me to inquire about lessons, I hope to hear from you soon!

Stephanie

, Turkey, Canada, and the Czech Republic. He has a firm knowledge of German, Italian, and French vocal repertory, diction, and languages while specialising in English diction for the non-native speaker and/or singer.

During his time in Orange County, CA, he held his own music studio. While there he taught over thirty students (Ages 5-45+) voice and piano privately. Additionally, he taught as a TA for UC Irvine int he subjects of Music Theory, Voice Performance, and an introductory music course for non-majors.

rently I teach from my home studio in Boston, and I'm also available to come to your location.

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!