
Alexis S.

Teaching Locations:


Teaching Locations:


Levels taught:
Beginner, IntermediateAbout Alexis S.
I believe in teaching all aspects of musicianship when learning an instrument such as music theory, ear training, and singing, just to name a few. I have been private teaching for more than 8 years and I specialize in trombone, music theory/ear training, and piano lessons and have taught a variety of levels. I provide a very inviting environment for students to learn and grow.
* In case of allergies, I will mention that I have 2 cats in my home. Let me know if this is a problem so we can work out a different location.
Reviews
Write a Review
The lesson went very well. Alexis was able to assess
where I was at and got me back to a foundation I could start from. She instilled confidence in me
to hit the correct notes. Very pleased and looking
Forward to a good practice week.



Alexis is an energetic, thoughtful and patient teacher. My 9-year-old son loves his weekly lessons with her. He is a beginner trombone student and is progressing at an amazing rate. Alexis is very encouraging and helps him to really stretch and grow each week. I would highly recommend Alexis as a teacher.

grat

you are an amazing teacher Alexis thank you for your help
David

Great All CLASS

Excellent class for my 7 year old daughter! She learned multiple techniques, information, and skills in a FUN and ENGAGING way. I can already see her improvement in just one class - Looking forward to seeing my daughter continue to improve with these very effective lessons.



thx!! see ya next week


Alexis is great! I haven't played trombone in 25 years and she's got me playing again in 3 weeks!

Alexis is very knowledgeable. She has been working with my daughter ( a second year band student) on expanding her skill level on the trombone. My daughter and gotten so much better and her confidence level has grown. Alexis is great with kids and really helped my daughter improve!!!
Thanks Alexis!!!!

Alexis is very knowledgeable and really connects with my daughter. My daughter is more confident and is gaining a better understanding of her instrument and her music!!!!

Great first lesson! Friendly and encouraging teacher!


Great first lesson. I look forward to many more. Thank you

Alexis is very encouraging and patient. She understands my questions even when I am not able to explain them fully. Her lessons are fun and engaging. I made huge progress within a short period of time. I would highly recommend her!

great expierience! couldnt have been better.


Alexis has a very positive attitude. and is great with kids. My daughter is already making notable progress and enjoying herself, too.



I played trombone in high school for four years. Alexis showed me things about the trombone that never knew. She is very professional and I highly recommend her.

Alexis is a fantastic teacher! My daughter is learning so much and Alexis is great with not only teaching piano, but also understanding how to deal with a teenager and the doubts they have in their ability to succeed with new things! Alexis is a well-rounded teacher!

My daughter has been studying with Alexis for almost two years and we've been very impressed with her progress. So impressed that I've recently started lessons as well!

Alexis is very patient with my son. She takes the time to focus on the details to make sure he learning accurately. She has taught him so much!

Alexis is awesome. My son was really nervous, but she was extremely patient and made him feel great about playing. Wonderful teacher!!

I absolutely loved my first lesson. Alexis is quite patient, easy to talk to and quickly identifies any struggles with very good mannerisms. Looking forward to my next lesson!

As a new student and an adult with no formal music training Alexis has been very patient and helpful in teaching me piano. I would recommend her to anyone looking to learn how to play!

Alexis was very knowledgable and intelligible as a music teacher.

Alexis is vety nice and thorough. She explains everything well.

It was great! My girls learned a lot in their first session.

My first lesson was great! Alexis started me off on the right foot and has me believing I will once again play the trombone.

Alexis is a wonderful teacher! She has the most patience with my four year old & he responds so well to her. I highly recommend her.

Alexis quickly evaluated my proficiency and needs and has set up lesson plans accordingly. She is doing a superior job. I highly recommend her.

Alexis did a superior job of introducing a trumpet/baritone player to the trombone in our first lesson. Highly recommended. I'm looking forward to many more lessons.

First lesson... her style of teaching and friendly manner was great. I'm really looking forward to the months ahead.

Alexis is a great piano teacher. She not only teaches how to play the instrument, but also takes the time to explain the theory behind how the music is written. As an adult student, Alexis has been great to help me reach my personal music goals while helping me progress through the lesson books and recital pieces. Highly recommended for adults! (She also has a lot of young students who love her. So recommended for kids too!)

Alexis is very easy and flexible to work with. She has the education and advanced degrees that qualify her to teach others. She has been teaching our daughter beginning piano lessons for nearly a year now. We are very happy with her approach and knowledge.

We are new with Alexis and I am so impressed with her approach.

I will always be appreciative for the guidance and instruction Mrs. Smerdon provided me with. Easily one of the best brass pedagogues in this area.

My son has taken a few lessons with Alexis and we will continue. She is never late. She gets straight to the lesson and sends practice information to my son via email. This allows him a week to prepare/practice with for the following lesson.

Great first lesson so far!!

Excellent lessons. Very patient and friendly. Also seems very knowledgeable and confident with instructions.

Really enjoying the lessons.

Love Ms Alexis! Shes very knowledgeable and truly enjoys what she does which makes it all the better! So happy to be taking lessons from her!

Great teacher! Pacing of lessons is very engaging and she is extremely knowledgeable.

I've taken quite a few lessons from Alexis. She is by far the best piano teacher I have ever had. She was very patient and knew exactly what approach to take to best help my learning. I plan on continuing my Piano/music theory education with her.
Photos & Videos
9 Photos & VideosExperience
Adjunct Instructor of Music Theory
Aug 2019 - PresentUtah Valley University
Principal Trombone
Aug 2018 - PresentTimpanogos Symphony Orchestra
Trombone
Dec 2013 - PresentVarious Gigs
Churches, PBS Documentary, Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, UT Graduate Brass Quintet, UT Trombone Choir, Encore Big Band.
Private Studio
Jan 2013 - PresentMusic Studio
Piano Accompanist
Jul 2006 - PresentThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Various wards
Lead and Third Trombone
Aug 2018 - Oct 2018Encore Big Band
Co-Director/Founder
Jan 2016 - May 2018Knoxville Youth Trombone Choir
Music Theory Instructor
Sep 2016 - Apr 2018Hart Strings Violin Studio
I teach group theory classes for this violin studio.
Lecturer of Music Theory
Aug 2016 - May 2017University of Tennessee
Adjunct lecturer of music theory courses at the University of Tennessee.
Church Organist
Jul 2015 - Nov 2016The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Knoxville 1st Ward
Ward Music Chairman
Aug 2013 - Nov 2016The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Knoxville 1st Ward
In this position I am in oversee all of the music in this ward. I arrange the music for our Sacrament services. I train pianists and conductors as needed. I substitute for pianists and other music leaders as needed.
Low Brass Sectional Instructor
Apr 2016 - May 2016Cedar Bluff Middle School
I led low brass sectionals for the 6th grade band. We worked on fundamentals and band music.
Low Brass Sectional Instructor
Jan 2015 - May 2016West High School
Online Music Theory Instructor
Feb 2016 - Apr 2016TakeLessons.com
I taught online group music theory classes for aspiring pianists.
Music Theory Instructor
Sep 2015 - Apr 2016Suzuki Piano Studio of Knoxville
I was hired to teach a music theory class 3 times a semester to the advance piano students.
Head Music Theory Tutor
Aug 2014 - Dec 2015University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Band Camp Instructor - Marching/Low Brass
Jul 2015 - Jul 2015Maryville High School
Band Camp Instructor - Marching/Low Brass
Jul 2015 - Jul 2015West High School
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Trombone
Aug 2013 - Jul 2015University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Choir Director
Aug 2013 - Jul 2015The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Knoxville 1st Ward
Band Camp Instructor - Low Brass
Jul 2014 - Jul 2014Halls High School
Band Camp Instructor - Marching/Low Brass
Jul 2014 - Jul 2014Maryville High School
Music Theory/Ear Training Tutor
Aug 2013 - May 2014University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Second Trombone
Sep 2012 - Apr 2013Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra
Music Theory/Ear Training Assistant Instructor
Sep 2011 - Dec 2012Brigham Young University-Idaho
Music Tutor
Apr 2011 - Dec 2012Brigham Young University-Idaho
Trombone
Nov 2010 - Nov 2012Idaho Falls Youth Arts Center
I was hired for 3 Falls Musicals.
Substitute Trombone
Nov 2010 - May 2011Teton Chamber Orchestra
Education
Master of Music - Music Theory Pedagogy
Aug 2013 - Aug 2016University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Master of Music - Trombone Performance
Aug 2013 - Dec 2015University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Bachelor of Music - Trombone Performance
Sep 2009 - Apr 2013Brigham Young University-Idaho
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Awards
Graduate Teaching Assistantship - Music Theory
Apr 2013University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Graduate Teaching Assistantship - Trombone
Mar 2013University of Tennessee-Knoxville
3rd Place - Trombone
Nov 2011MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition, Idaho
Affiliations
Pi Kappa Lambda
Apr 2015United States Judo Association
May 2014International Trombone Association
Sep 2010Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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