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Tamari (Tamara) W.
Torrington, Connecticut
Learn to play your favorite songs on guitar from an experienced and passionate instructor
If you are just starting out with the guitar, I am your 'gal'! I make learning the basics of the strings, the tuning, and the music really fun! but as with learning any new language or instrument, the follow up requisite practice and purchase/download of recommended supplementary materials is totally up to you, the student. If you practice what I show you in each lesson every day, you will notice progress!
About Tamari (Tamara) W.

Hi, there! I'm TamarI and I can't wait to meet you! We all learn in different ways; some are more visual; others, auditory; some, kinesthetic--I combine a number of different modalities in my teaching, including direct feedback-teaching--once you learn a concept or skill, teach it, as soon as you possibly can, to someone else! -- this reinforces your own knowledge of the skill or concept. I've been teaching private lessons for many years and have loved helping my students acquire new skills, master new pieces. Some take music lessons just for the sheer joy of learning a new discipline; others, to prepare for performances or auditions. Over the years, my younger students have earned blue and gold ratings at a well known festival in CT, some of them even going on to earn gold cups: This is a statewide event to encourage long-term commitment to the art, discipline and joy of music making. I attended Indiana University's Jacob School of Music where I earned a Masters in Piano Performance, and Composition in the '90's. I sang all types of vocal music as well as prepared singers with vocal coaching and voice development techniques 20+ years. I'm fun loving, patient, and optimistic-- these traits carry through in my teaching style, One Size does NOT fit all--I approach the lesson plans for each student tailored to your learning style. Over the years, my life experiences have encompassed other disciplines and compelled me to learn and acquire many other skills: my liberal arts as well as fine arts education lent itself to helping me work administrative jobs and even expanded into sales and public speaking. I have coached after school and SAT preparation to High School and College age students, helped with the preparation of legal and analytical documents, creative writing and editing assignments; and even tutored computer, social media and Microsoft Office & iWork Suite of applications to older adults. Within the 10 most recent years, I served as Music Director in Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational and Lutheran Churches, as it is my firm conviction that Music is a universal language which can help deepen the prayer experience while helping to bring comfort and joy. Since 2018, I have worked to earn licensing and Certification with AFAA, NASM, and tivity Health, to teach Group Fitness Classes to an Aging population. These classes may be taken virtually through Fitswop.com. I look forward to helping you reach your goals

Teaches Beginner

Teaching since 1990

MM Piano; Composition; Comparative Literature Music in Film

Teaches ages 5+

Speaks English

Has background check

Instructor details
Subject: Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
American Literature
Broadway Singing
Classical Piano
Classical Voice
Creative Writing
Ear Training
English (ESL)
Essay Writing
Guitar
Study Skills
Test Prep
Writing
Yoga
Teaches 10+ subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
This teacher is not currently accepting students
Photos & videos26 photos & videos
ReviewsWrite a review
4.8
38 Reviews
5Review Star
87%
4Review Star
13%
3Review Star
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2Review Star
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1Review Star
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Online

I've done Silver Sneakers full-body workout sessions with Tamari. She brings her cheery, delightful and upbeat personality to her classes. She inspires and leads, without being pushy. Her technical training combines with her creativity to keep class interesting and engaging. I always enjoy her choice of music, too. (No wonder, because she's an accomplished musician, too.) I highly recommend her as a fitness teacher!!

Posted Nov 18, 2020
Online

I have had a wonderful experience studying piano with Tamari. She is an enthusiastic teacher making the lesson not only rewarding but also joyful. We had to go virtual because of Covid-19 and Tamari spent a lot of time getting all of us familiarized with virtual lessons. She is very dedicated, patient, caring, has a warm personality and she really enjoys teaching.

Posted May 14, 2020
Online

Hi Everyone, I’d like to tell all about what a wonderful experience I’m having with Tamari as my piano teacher. First about me. I’m a 70 year old male with virtually no hands-on music experience or knowledge (other than listening). My parents forced me to take piano music lessons 60+ years ago which I totally resisted. Playing piano was a sissy thing and after a few months they gave up. For the past 50 years I regretted my youthful error. So when I had the chance to take a piano/keyboard class from Tamari, through OLLI at Uconn I jumped at the chance. Tamari started the first class totally prepared. Not only did she have startup handouts geared to beginner level students. She also came with extension cords and power outlet strips so all could set up comfortably. Right away we (9) were playing notes and learning. Tamari gave us terrific learning tips (beyond Every Good Boy Does Fine) to make grasping lessons much easier. Sadly, the Virus hit, and self-isolation became the norm. So Tamari set up her classes through the ZOOM video conferencing software. Wonderfully, a fun learning experience. One example from yesterday. Tamari helped me learn that just playing the notes , G A G C B by pecking at the keys isn’t music. There’s a certain rhythm needed to make the sound correct and enjoyable. And after, patiently, staying with me, turn after turn, I got it right. Bravo to her and me. Let me wrap this up by saying, I couldn’t be happier or more satisfied with Tamari as my Piano teacher. Ralph A Famiglietti.

Posted Apr 10, 2020
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Music Director (Interim)
Jul 2018 - Present
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Chief Musician for this church, planning each week's Hymns and Service music closely with Pastor K. Wadhams. Organist, Keyboard Player (Clavinova) and Vocalist.
Music Director
Jul 2018 - Present
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN
Directed Choirs, Helped to Choose music for Anthems; Religious Holiday music; Sang; Performed on both piano and organ for services
Independent Associate Senior Manager Level
Jun 2012 - Present
Private Company
I present Legal Insurance and Identity Theft Prevention and Restoration Plans to Individuals, Families, Self-Employed Professionals, Businesses and Companies (as employee benefits), following a protracted legal probate experience with a family member from '06 to the Spring of '11. I'm especially driven to help artists, writers, and musicians to arm and protect themselves with affordable legal services available in 50 states: Use your money for your life and art, not to line lawyers' pockets! one year's membership availing us of attorney advice in every discipline of the law costs less than one hour with a specialized licensed attorney. The trainings and experience I've gained in learning the plans and publicly presenting them to business professionals every month since 2013 has given me outstanding public relations skills and experience; public speaking skills.
Performing Pianist and Mezzo Soprano
Apr 2006 - Present
The Schubert Club; Music Teachers Association; Wednesday Music Org.
Perform both as a soloist and as a singer in ensembles with musical colleagues throughout the State of CT and NY.
Content Management & Web Design Assistant
Aug 2006 - May 2014
Artful One Design
Data entry, content consultant; visual graphics assistant in content managed web sites and print materials as well as typing; document preparation, office management; (interfacing with clients for proposals etc.)
Private Instructor: Piano & Voice
Sep 1998 - Apr 2011
Middle Sea Music
Private Teacher for both Piano and Voice Students both at my home studio and at student homes
Sales Associate in Antiques; Rare Books
Mar 2005 - Mar 2010
AJ Antiques & Collectibles
Assisted with trade and antique show displays and sales; traveling auctions; and purchasing inventory; specialized in rare; illustrated children's books for awhile..Here I began to develop my confidence in public speaking and presentation skills.
General Music Teacher
Aug 2002 - Apr 2003
Trumbull Public School System
Taught General Music; Musical Games; Singing K-6 in Jane Ryan and Booth Hill Schools singing, using musical instruments; music and movement, listening games; ear training games; implemented a course in music from around the world for the older children...
MM Piano; Composition; Comparative Literature Music in Film
Sep 1986 - May 1993
Indiana University Jacob's School of Music
BFA Piano & Music in Film
Aug 1981 - Dec 1985
Purchase College, SUNY
English
Native Proficiency
GROUP FITNESS CERTIFICATION
Jul 2018
AFAA / NASM
Physical Fitness Instructor Training Certification for Group Teaching Earned Summer of 2018. I have developed a LIIT program to Classical Music to help an aging population stay healthy and fit while learning about and enjoying the beauty, power, and rhythm of famous and not so famous Classical Music pieces!
CT's ARC program graduate
Aug 2002
CT Board of Education
CT's Alternate Route to Teacher Certification-- Condensed course in teaching music in public school: this included learning the basics of every band instrument.
Silver Sneakers Signature YOGA Class
Oct 2020
tivity health
Merit Prize
Sep 1998
Guild of Temple Musicians
Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut
Feb 2015
The mission of the Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut is to provide services at no cost to any individual who wishes to learn the English language or enhance their reading, writing, speaking and math skills necessary to lead productive lives in our community.
Music Teachers National Association
Mar 2003
The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

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Instructor details
Subject: Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
American Literature
Broadway Singing
Classical Piano
Classical Voice
Creative Writing
Ear Training
English (ESL)
Essay Writing
Guitar
Study Skills
Test Prep
Writing
Yoga
Teaches 10+ subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
This teacher is not currently accepting students