Lesson Details
Acting
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate
I have taken acting classes myself over the years, and as the writer/director of a web series, I have to have a connection with the actors I work with. Specifically, I work with aspiring actors on reading, using nerves to their advantage, method acting and channeling experience through the character.
Olivia teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 8+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- January 2010
I love to create. The way I'm most comfortable creating is through writing; whether it's a song, a short story, a poem or a script. Writing has always been the bass line in my life; the heartbeat.
Music and film are both passions of mine. I graduated from Berklee College of Music where I studied Songwriting and Music Therapy. I was pushed to my absolute limits lyrically and musically within these majors, and I am so grateful for it now that I'm on my own creative journey.
I have a great deal of experience, but I am also still learning. I think it is very important as a teacher to always be learning, especially through their students. Teaching these lessons is, of course, about progress and advancement - but also about enjoyment, confidence building and positive encouragement.
Experience
Writer / Director
Aug 2015 - PresentWriter / Director / Producer / Casting
• 2015 - Meetings (web series)
writer, creator, casting director
• 2017 - Period 5 (short play)
co-director - performed at TADA! Theatre, NYC
• 2019 - All Night Long (short film)
writer, director, casting director - post-production
• 2019 - In A Lonely Place (short play)
co-writer, co-director, casting director - in production
Private Lessons
Jun 2009 - PresentEmphasis on building confidence and self-esteem, creating practice routines, influencing creativity.
Guitar • Ukulele • Voice • Piano • Cello • Violin • Clarinet • Acting • Songwriting • Creative Writing • Screenwriting
Music Teacher
Dec 2017 - Dec 2018Teaching students at a studio in Wall, NJ ages 5 and up.
Guitar, Voice, Piano, Violin, Cello, Ukulele, Acting
Lead Teaching Artist
Jul 2013 - Jul 2017Lead Teaching Artist - Theater Arts & Design grades 5-8.
Emphasis on costume design, puppetry, prop building, set design, play writing, storytelling, behind the scenes work, and building confidence.
Responsible for creating lesson plans, for creating a safe and creative environment for classes, and for cohesive weekly planning leading into Friday invited (shared) classes with parents
Education
Bachelor of Music in Songwriting
Sep 2008 - May 2013Music Theory, Voice & Guitar
Aug 2005 - Jun 2006Languages
Spanish
Photos & Videos
32 Reviews
Write a ReviewOlivia is very sweet and very knowledgeable. My student has fun while learning!
Very helpful!
Great first lesson, low pressure and well organized
She helped me a lot and was nice!
Olivia is an excellent teacher! She always sends out lesson plans ahead of time, so I can get a head start if I like, or just know what to expect for the week. She explains everything clearly, and makes learning ukulele fun! I always look forward to my lessons. :)
Show MoreI have been taking classes from Olivia for 6 months and I am delighted with her style of teaching and how she develops and delivers specialized classes for me. She is also very easy to talk to and listens intently to my goals. I highly recommend her.
She is super fun and you can request songs to make it even MORE fun!
very positive and makes it fun!
Excellent class!
Olivia is great! Friendly, relaxed, and fun! Highly recommend!
she is wonderful and very patient! I enjoyed the class a lot.
Livv is an amazing and a gifted teacher. She’s very knowledgeable, but she’s completely humble. Her easy-going personality makes learning fun and enjoyable. She’s funny and down to earth. Learning a new task can sometimes be very frustrating, but she’s incredibly patient and supportive. She allowed me to learn at a pace that I’m most comfortable with. She adapted to my learning style and tailored the lessons to my desired goals. First of all, I wanted to be able to play the ukulele and secondly, I wanted to be able to play some of my favorite songs on the ukulele. She taught me how to play. She wrote the tabs for the songs I requested. We went over those songs together and my goals were met. In addition to reaching my goals, I’ve learned and reached other objectives along the way. She taught me how to read music in general, how to read chord diagrams, how to read tabs, how to strum and she gave me tips on different ways to play the barre chords. I never thought that I could ever play the dreaded barre chords, but with her guidance and patience, I was able to do that. She communicated with me every step of the way about my progress and what’s on the horizon for the coming week. She’s a well-rounded teacher and she gets my highest recommendation. Livv, thank you for your insights and encouragement throughout my journey.
Show MoreOlivia is so so fun, and even though I'm doing ukulele class she is also helping me with my songwriting
Such a kind teacher. I appreciate the extra effort she puts in to help me learn in a way that's best for me. Her patience also makes for an awesome experience as well. Highly recommend!
She was delightful! Very nice to my shy daughter. I hope they hit it off!
Olivia is awesome! My daughter can't wait for her weekly lessons.
She is super awesome and she is very funny and it is super fun, I look forward to every Tuesday night!!!
Olivia is so kind and patient very well suited for young beginners. We were curious how the online lesson would work and it went so well! Highly recommend Olivia and the online lessons!
She is super Awesome and makes learning super fun, she is also very patent if you get the wrong cord and she can help you perfect it!!
My 10 year old thoroughly enjoyed her first class with Olivia last night. She is excited about learning the Ukelele even more so now that Olivia is her teacher!
She was awesome and the best Ukelele instructor or musical teacher I've ever had. She is also bright and very funny.
Olivia is a great instructor with a fun personality! Her lessons are great!
Olivia is positive and very skilled. I believe I will learn a great deal from her expertise combined with her personable manner of teaching.
My daughter LOVES Olivia - she is a great teacher and maximizes each hour with her, teaching her skills she can use and build on week after week. She is very knowledgable and teaches in a logical, structured manner to ensure that the subject is understood and true learning occurs. Olivia is patient with our daughter as she learns new concepts and provides great feedback. We couldn't be happier with the lessons Olivia presents to our daughter!
Show MoreAn amazing teacher!
Awesome
Finding Olivia was no coincidence.My 11 year old daughter is so psyched when she has her lessons!
It is in Liv's home,just a 10 minute ride from where we live,it's warm,safe,and filled with talent.
The passion of music is everywhere you look,Daphne and Olivia are
Ike old souls that just jive together perfectly.
Daphne has gained confidence,a mentor,and a ton of fun,
I thought Daphne was on a short lived path,as kids often jump from one idea to the next,but I believe singing is something she will definitely peruse.
I am so pleased with Take Lessons and especially Olivia.
Wonderful!
She is very patient, organized, and makes things fun. She cares very much about what I personally want out of the lessons, and makes steady progress at a very natural pace.