Composition with Ilona M.

When I work on any subject I always amend to the student's request adhering to all guidelines and ensure I meet my student's and his/her parents expectations on this and make my student achieve the best grade possible because that is my objective. That is my promise to my students. I am experienced (5 years) in homeschool tutoring. I mostly work with Florida Virtual School students. I overlook their tests and assignments, and help them with preparations of guided notes to prepare for Discussion Based Assessmemts (DBA). I also help parents to obtain required annual evaluations and how to sign up with home education with county school department. For my tutoring sessions I use skills that include goal-directedness; I teach how to organize learning in small steps and how to set them up for the best results; I always strive to motivate and engage my students to make them interested in learning and have fun; I also use self-control skills to teach how to avoid distractions and I show how to use different focusing strategies. I use positive mind set skills to teach how to use failures as learning opportunities. I have Masters in Education (2018) with specialization in English Curriculum and Instruction; and Masters in Arts (2012) in Teaching English to speakers of other languages, and Bachelors in Music Education (2010), both from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a degree in violin performance from Chicago. I studied piano in Chicago for 10 years & taught both piano & violin for over 20 years. I also teach flute & cello for the past 5 years, as I studied them during my Music Education program. I have taught music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am fan of the Essential Elements method and I Can Read Music book for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library with Fingerpower books for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially written for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards. For teaching music theory I mostly used Fundamentals of Piano Theory (9 levels) combined with Master Theory (6 levels) books. I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach Piano competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions. I teach any age and any level and most of academic subjects, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. I stress to all my students that practice brings progress and this is nost important in any studies. My lessons are customized to my student's needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs. I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons. I always do reviews, as this the best way to know what you still need to learn. I teach test taking skills for ACT, SAT, GRE and PSAT, and SSAT, and prepare my students to take auditions *** Lesson Details *** All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary. All my lessons include technique and reading music. I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both. Music theory: I use Master Theory and Fundamentals of Piano Theory books for younger ages, Alfred's music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance. Besides Essential Elements for strings I also use String Tunes and I Can Read Music to add more fun to the lessons as well as support reading music during the lesson. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday. *** Studio Equipment *** I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach. *** Travel Equipment *** The students need to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books, flashcards & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I always bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning. *** Specialties *** I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests. Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues