Kingsville Music Lessons

and software so we can incorporate drum sounds, keyboards, bass, and guitar into your lessons.
I encourage all of my students to read standard notation, but it isn't necessary if you would prefer to learn by ear.

*** Specialties ***

-I'm comfortable teaching most styles, including R&B, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Funk, Rock and Metal. I try to encourage all students to learn the basics of music theory, so you can understand the music you learn.

-I use a wide range of method books. I also use books that I have authored, which have been used in music programs in Baltimore area private schools and charter schools.

by Shinichi Suzuki.

I've been teaching violin and viola professionally for over 9 years now. My experience includes teaching private lessons at students homes as well as at various music schools, summer camps and festivals. A few advanced students have even attended and performed in some of these aforementioned festivals! I am always encouraging my students to go above and beyond.

A bit of background about me: I started my music studies at the age of 7. Lessons and orchestra were literally the highlight of my childhood. I ended up attending the Baltimore School for the Arts for high school, and eventually went on to receive my Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Shenandoah University and complete further studies in England and Northern Ireland. I am also a registered Suzuki Violin/Viola teacher and have attended several teachers workshops in order to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work with any and all types of students, including those with learning disabilities, such as ADD and FAS.

*** Lesson Details ***
While I am a registered Suzuki violin teacher, I do not teach solely out of a certain method or "by the book"; I choose and mold every lesson depending on specific, strengths, weaknesses, etc. If you are a more advanced, serious player, more intensive lessons and repertoire will follow suit.

I am comfortable teaching all ages and levels up to advanced. Use of games make learning the violin fun and accessible for young children. Older and more advanced students receive a more technical, intensive and advanced approach. Coaching and weekly help on school assigned materials (orchestra/string class music and homework) Classical, Jazz, Gypsy and Fiddle styles are all introduced and studied to give students a rounded technique. Music theory (reading and understanding music) is incorporated in lessons. Repertoire is diverse and exciting. Various approaches for the visual or aural learner. Guaranteed to keep you or your child engaged and interested!

*** Travel Equipment/Home Lesson Details ***
-Please have a music stand available and set up for lessons that take place in your home.
-If you are coming to my home for lessons, please be sure to bring your instrument and any books you may already have.

**Please note, there are three cats and a small, affectionate and very friendly Papillon in the house. They are all isolated to a different part of the house during lessons to ensure there are no unnecessary distractions and to help minimize potential allergies (studio is also sprayed with allergy reducer spray and vacuumed regularly). All are UTD on shots. Please call and ask to reschedule a "trial" lesson to see if the animals interfere with allergies.

New students:
I have a trial 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4 size violin to use for the first lesson.
After the first lesson I will send an email explaining what materials and equipment I recommend you buy to help you sound your best.

Places to rent or buy instruments will be recommended upon request.

*** Cancellation/Reschedule Requests ***
1) At least 24 hours notice is required if you need to cancel your, or your child's, lesson. You will be given the option to take a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons on your calendar, or the option to reschedule for a different day within two weeks of the canceled lesson.

2) If you find that you need to cancel with less than 24 hours notice (I completely understand life happens, and sometimes it is unavoidable to provide 24hr notice), you will be given the option to make up your lesson within 7 calendar days of your originally scheduled lesson time. If you cannot do a makeup lesson, this will result in the lesson being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

3) If you do not show up to your lesson scheduled at my home studio on Tilmont Ave and no notice was given, the lesson will be marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson. This also applies to "in-home" lessons-- if you are not home when I arrive and no notice was given, this will result in the lesson also being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

4) If I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson for whatever reason, you will be given an option for a makeup lesson or given a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons.

5) I require two weeks notice if you would like to discontinue lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Violin/Viola Method
Music Theory Tutor
Genres: Classical, fiddle, gypsy, jazz.
Experience teaching ages 3-Adults.

t to achieve. You also need a good teacher who understands how to take you where you want to go musically. I have taught hundreds of different students of all ages and abilities. I have seen many of them grow musically and gain confidence in other areas of their lives as a result. I aim to inspire every student to find their way to a rewarding life through music.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lesson plans are developed on an individual basis. I want you to learn the music that inspires your passion. If the guitar is new to you, the first lessons are devoted to basic playing skills and techniques. It is important to develop a strong understanding of music fundamentals to ensure that the student is attaining the skills they need to be a complete musician. I emphasize technique with drills designed to raise my students' skills evenly across a wide range of categories, like picking, fretting, scale patterns, chord shapes, rhythm training, and ear training. I have had success with many students using this approach and most are playing songs within a couple months. For the more serious student, music theory is an important tool to understand songwriting and music in general. I am always open to discuss what we do during a lesson. I believe it is my job to balance what you want to do with what you need to do in order to succeed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have amps, guitars, 1/4 inch cables, tuners, metronomes, paper and pens.
Would like students to have all these things but can accommodate based on need.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, flat-picking, finger-style

ence I have developed the ability to adjust my lessons for students of different levels and create a learning environment that is fun yet challenging and full of growth. Having played a variety of genres I encourage my students to choose pieces that speak to them while also working on developing their techniques through shorter exercises. My goal is to help my students achieve their goals and surprise themselves going way beyond, because I truly believe there is no limit. With practice, determination, and inspiring lessons my students can reach heights they would never have imagined before.

Teaching Methods:
For beginners I usually work with the Rubank methods book as well as songs that students love to play. I often use flashcards to facilitate with site-reading and slowly introduce all the musical symbols. I adapt different techniques to meet the needs of each student. For intermediate and advanced students I prefer using scales, etudes (exercises), sonatas, concertos and solo pieces of their preference. I especially enjoy playing duets with my students, one of their favorite ways of practicing, as it combines our talents in order to create something beautiful. Through regular practice and mentorship I teach my students to become independent and confident performers as they perform solo, as part of a band, or in competitions. There is no greater joy than being able to teach my students and help them better perform and understand the music they are sharing with others. My goal has always been to be a facilitator of my students' journeys to success and to see them fall in love with the flute just like I did at a very young age.

Tools:
During my lessons I often use a tuner and metronome to help students play on tune and keep the tempo if needed. Additionally, I occasionally use a recording device so students can become more aware of their sound and can learn to self-correct. It is also a great way to hear improvement over time.

'd like to sign up for lessons with me, we can start in July when I return.