Lesson Details
Ukulele
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Nicole teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- May 2000
Nicole began her musical journey in Long Island, New York when she began piano lessons at age five. While receiving training on piano, she joined her elementary school orchestra in the 3rd grade and quickly soared with violin. During this period, Nicole began learning music theory and the art of reading music. As a fourth grader, Nicole would go on to conduct and tune every instrument in her orchestra during rehearsal. She always competed and won many NYSMA competitions for violin while attending music seminars and workshops. It was then that her teacher realized she had a gift. Nicole continued with piano lessons and began teaching herself guitar. Later, after college, she bought herself a drum set and began to teach herself drums.
As an adult, Nicole studied to become an elementary teacher and worked in the New York State School Districts for over five years. Shortly after receiving her master's degree for Literacy Education, Nicole decided to attempt to share her passion for music. In 2007, Nicole opened a music studio in Holbrook, New York. Here, she refined her music teaching skills while establishing Nicolex Inc. Music Island as a leading source of quality music education. Her summer traveling music program allowed her students to experience live performances as well as create music groups with peers with the same passion for music.
Nicole now resides in Tampa, Florida with hopes to spread her business as well as the joy of music to children and adults. She currently is the singer for a local original rock band. In this band, Nicole writes songs, sings, plays guitar/piano (not all at the same time). Needless to say, she understands the importance that music has had in her life and wishes to ignite that passion in other music lovers.
*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is best labeled as kind but firm. I take my job very seriously and want wholeheartedly for my students to have music as a part of their life, not just a part of their day. I love to laugh and have fun but I will definitely expect my students to practice and complete any homework I assign and be prepared for the following lesson. Simply stated, music is fun and the love of my life, but if I still practice, you will as well. Otherwise, I always believe in teaching songs my students are interested in and will expand their musical skills. My experience as a public school teacher had enhanced my sense of finding individual needs of every student. Therefore, I always differentiate lessons to suit my students interest while teaching them the foundations every musician needs in order to be successful. My specialty is teaching a variety of instruments. I play drums, guitar, bass, piano, and sing as well. So, if one instrument is not for you, I can teach you something different without a problem. Long story short, friends, you are in good hands.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Full Service music room: Keyboard, Full drum kit, Electric Guitar with 30 watts Amp and Microphone/ vocal monitor.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a 76 key Yahama YPG-235 Keyboard for your household to use for lessons for a small monthly rental fee. I have an Epiphone Electric Guitar with 30w amplifier. Will also bring microphone and monitor for vocal lessons.
*** Specialties ***
I have taught mostly Rock, Blues, and Classical genres for Piano, Guitar, Drums. Vocally, I specialize in R&B, Broadway, Pop, Top 100 and alternative/Hard Rock. I will adapt to your needs.
Experience
Music Instructor
Jan 2009 - PresentProviding music instruction for Piano, Drums, Guitar, and Vocal lessons for ages 5-99. All levels in-studio and traveling to students homes.
Music Instructor
Jan 2012 - Dec 2012Provided group music Instruction for piano, guitar, and percussion.
Owner/Music Instructor
Jan 2008 - Jan 2009My company began as a retail Music Store in Holbrook, NY. My company was a comfortable and engaging music education facility. We provided music lessons for piano, drums, guitar, and vocal lessons as well as after school care and summer music programs.
Education
Master's
Sep 2003 - Jan 2007Bachelor's
Sep 2000 - May 2003Certifications
Infant and Adult CPR Certified
Nov 2014Successfully completed the objectives and skills evaluations in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Program.
Affiliations
Early Childhood Music and Movement Association
Jan 2016The non-profit Early Childhood Music & Movement Association (ECMMA) believes appropriate, purposeful music and movement experiences enhance early childhood development and seeks to support early childhood music and movement practitioners by providing resources, advocacy, professional development, and collaboration opportunities.
+ Read MoreAmerican Federation of Teachers
Sep 2010The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.
+ Read MoreNational Association for Music Education
Jan 2010Founded in 1907, NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
45 Reviews
Write a ReviewI completed 5 lessons with Nicole and I am very pleased with her approach and everything that I have learned over the last 5 weeks. I love the fact that she is straight to the point and honest. She’s great!
Nicole is very patient, fun and a pleasure to work with. I felt comfortable right away with her. Id highly recommend her after just one lesson. Al Gavin.
Our 1st lessons was a disappointment my iPad and laptop are in perfect condition she kept telling us she couldn’t hear us we were like crazy trying to figure out what was wrong on our end but there is nothing wrong with my set up. We wasted a good 20minutes out of the 30 minutes.we used FaceTime on my cellphone instead for approximately 10mins.Before the lesson I told Nicoele that my daughter wants to learn a part of the song Havana she is having trouble with. Nicoele said to just omit that part instead and said that’s easy fix! Really? She didn’t teach her how to learn the part.then she asked my daughter what other songs she is working on and my child she said A million dreams. She let her play for about 2minutes and then said try learning this strumming pattern and jumped to the song You are my sunshine! What the !!! My daughter said Miss Nicoele I really want to learn the Havana song .Nicoele said play you are my sunshine!!!! Really? We lost $27.00 plus the $12.00 placement fee which Frank said he will wave that fee when I enrolled! Very disappointed student. She has a show to attend to on April 10 and never was taught the part of the song Havana that she planned for the day! Waste of money and time! After she hanged up she texted and she said she figured out what was wrong with her computer or set up! She should have credited me a few minutes of what we lost. She told us to find a live teacher or another teacher too before she hanged up the FaceTime!
+ Read MoreNicole was very patient and encouraging with my son. Great lesson!
Great 1st lesson for my 6 year old daughter. She was great at explaining concepts and steps to my daughter. And she kept my daughter engaged and interested.
My first lesson was awesome, she eased me out of my nervousness quickly made me feel a little more comfortable to sing in front of her. Can't wait for my second lesson!!!!
I loved her energy and how she jumped right in. Already in the first I learned something new!
She was teaching my mother with disability. Very good teacher
Nicole is a fabulous instructor! We have been with her for over a year now and she is ALWAYS on time and wonderful with my daughter. Nicole comes in and gets straight to work. My daughter loves her and also knows there is an expectation to work and practice. Nicole even engages my younger daughter and allows her to join in at times.
+ Read MoreNicole was patient but not a real positive attitude. We had a hard time warming up to her. She also always seem to cut our 30 minute lesson 5 minutes short which over the 5 weeks cost us 25 minutes of lost lesson time and I don't feel like my son is any further ahead than when he first started.
+ Read MoreNicole is fantastic. She helped me increase my range and control. She tailors your lessons based on what you want to work on and your skill level. She's very professional and I highly recommend her. 4 Horns Up! \m/ \m/
Nicole is a great teacher, profession, patient and positive"
Nicole rocks! (Literally) Awesome teacher, makes learning fun and inspires confidence. Knows how to introduce new concepts really well and makes sure you are progressing. So glad to be taking lessons with her!
My daughter is 13 and recently started taking Ukulele lessons with Nicole. She just LOVES her. Nicole has a terrific connection with kids and is very patient, but at the same time is able to keep pushing them ahead and doesn't allow them to stagnate. We couldn't be more pleased with the training and guidance that she has provided. Also, she has been very flexible with us when we have had to change practice times due to hectic schedules and she has NEVER been late.
+ Read MoreShe was very welcoming and my daughter really enjoyed the class.
Angel enjoyed her first lesson. Is excited for more
Nicole is absolutely amazing! My voice and my confidence has improved. Very knowledgeable and she will get you to your goal! I will continue to have her as my vocal instructor.
Very professional, got right into it.
My daughter looks forward to her lessons with Nicole all week! She loves her and has gained so much confidence with her singing!
So far I have had a handful of lessons and I think Nicole is excellent. Before we started I told her that I have no vocal training or skills. After a handful of lessons I was signing without the lyrics to carry me.
She makes it fun and relaxing with good pointers for improvement.
I highly recommend her to anyone - especially a novice like myself.
very patient and knows a great deal about music in general. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn or expand their knowledge of music theory and playing abilities.
Great instructor !!!! So patient!
Nicole has had 4 lessons with my 7 yr old daughter. I am amazed how much my daughter has learned in these few lessons. Nicole makes the lessons fun for her. My daughter waits by the door on her lesson days. I am even picking up a few things by listening in on lesson. Great teacher with a fun personality.
+ Read MoreShe is very down to earth, you don't get pressure into the lessons. Great method of teaching. Recommend!
Nicole is very down to earth friendly and not intimidating teacher. Her method of teaching is basic and easy to understand. I am looking forward to the next lesson.
Better than we expected. Looking forward to the next lesson.
Nicole is a very good teacher. She is encouraging and patient. I am thankful to be learning from her and really feel that my skill level will grow leaps and bounds.
BEST TEACHER EVER! So far i've had two classes and I regret nothing! Nicole is so knowledgeable,patient,fun, and encouraging. I knew from reading all of the wonderful reviews that I would be in good hands but actually experiencing it just validated that to the next level. Give Nicole a chance and you will be happy you did. The passion is there and she is very accommodating to many styles of music. Thanks Nicole!
+ Read MoreNicole is a very helpful and knowledgeable teacher. Nicole always makes sure that I understand the material and takes her time to explain anything I am unsure about. Her energetic and bubbly personality help add to the atmosphere of the lesson and I have learned a lot with her! Thank you Nicole!
+ Read MoreWorking with Nicole is a breath of fresh air. Great teacher and fun to work with . Knows what she is talking about and she makes me work hard and want to excel. She is awesome.
I like Nicole because she teaches me nice and slow and she lets me do something again if i did it wrong she is perfect :)
from: Christine Le, age 8
to:Mrs.Nicole
I have now had three lessons with Nicole and I couldn't be happier. She's very open to talking to me about my goals and how I can accomplish them with her! She pushes me but no harder than I can handle!
I haven't even had my first lesson and I've in touch with Nicole twice. She is so sweet and charming already that she has me anxiously looking forward to my first lesson. I am so happy I found her!!
This product has great features
Nicole is fun to work with. She is flexible and professional. Anyone looking to improve upon their vocal instrument would be wise to give her a try.
Talented and fun teacher
Nicole is by far the most fun I have had learning vocals from. She is extremely talented and helpful in explaining how to be the best at vocals I can. She makes you feel comfortable and relaxed at each lesson. Nicole is always on time and very flexible with helping me book lessons that best fit my schedule.
good teacher
Nicole starts lessons on time. She promotes at home practice
and praises when skills are acomplished.
I have had recent health issues, TAKE LESSONS was able to work with me. Nicole kept my time open and I will resume lessons.very soon.
Nicole is very sweet and my daughter loves her.
We are only into our 3rd week but so far all is good. My daughter is happy to go, enjoying her time with Nicole and learning quickly.
Wonderful Teacher!!!!
My daughter is 9 years old and has always had a passion for singing, so we let her try singing lessons and she was so nervous at first but Nicole made her feel right at home her 1st lesson and was so good with her, that she looks forward to it every week now. When she started her lessons she would sing in front of me but was really shy about performing in front of anyone else, now she loves performing in front of anyone that will let her. Nicole has given her confidence in herself. She was great with her as a beginner and is still great with her now that she has a little more experience. My daughter even added guitar lessons with her now too and is just an all around amazing teacher. I would highly reccommend her to anyone.
It's worth it!
Nicole is amazing! She is very talented, knows what she is talking about, and will push you out of your comfort zone! You will definitely get your moneys worth with Nicole!A++ Two thumbs up!
Personalized Lessons
Great teacher!!! She really pays attention to the time of voice and range you have a picks a songs that fits it but also challenges you so you can become a better singer!! She also makes you feel very comfortable and listens to what you have to say!! I would reccomend to everybody!!
Nicole is great. She listened to what my needs were, what I was trying to accomplish as a musician and adjusted her approach to meet those needs. She didn't just jam "her program" down my throat...she was more like a collaborator. Highly recommended!
+ Read MoreMy Daughter didn't want to anywhere else
Just after seeing Nicole's profile, my girl refused to go c another instructor. She has been so helpful, caring & ever so patient with my girl & ME! I also like the fact that she is so talented in so many things. Right now my girl is doing the drums, but there r other things she is interesed in as well. Most of them Nicole does! Oh my girls favorite part is that she makes it fun!
I really like Nicole. She is easy to understand, and she makes my lessons fun. She is an excellent teacher. She also critiques in a respectful way....helps you not be defensive and keeps your confidence up. Thanks Nicole!!!!
Great teacher, great fun
Nicole has a very fluid teaching style focusing on students' problem areas while keeping it fun. She allows students to set attainable goals and then gently prods the student towards them. I would highly recommend Nicole for anyone seeking vocal instruction.
I selected Nicole to give my granddaughter lessons. She is only 13 and feels very comfortable with Nicole and is enjoying her lessons very much.