Lesson Details
Broadway Singing
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate
Tamari (Tamara) teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Females 5 to 85, males 5 to 68 and special needs
- Teaching since:
- February 1990
Hi, there! I'm Tamara and I can't wait to meet you!
On social media and for those who are more familiar, I'm Tamari. 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, and prepare for concerts and performances. Over the years, my younger students have earned Blue and Gold ratings at the Young Musicians' Festival in Fairfield U., some of them earning gold cups: This is a statewide event to encourage long-term commitment to the art, discipline and joy of music making.
I went to Indiana University's Jacob School of Music and 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 past 23 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.
I look forward to helping you reach your goals
Experience
Independent Associate Senior Manager Level
Jun 2012 - PresentI 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.
+ Read MorePerforming Pianist and Mezzo Soprano
Apr 2006 - PresentPerform both as a soloist and as a singer in ensembles with musical colleagues throughout the State of CT and NY.
Music Director
Aug 2009 - May 2015Directed Choirs, Helped to Choose music for Anthems; Religious Holiday music; Sang; Performed on both piano and organ for services
Content Management & Web Design Assistant
Aug 2006 - May 2014Data 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 2011Private 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 2010Assisted 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 2003Taught 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...
Education
MM Piano; Composition; Comparative Literature Music in Film
Sep 1986 - May 1993BFA Piano & Music in Film
Aug 1981 - Dec 1985Languages
English
Certifications
CT's ARC program graduate
Aug 2002CT's Alternate Route to Teacher Certification-- Condensed course in teaching music in public school: this included learning the basics of every band instrument.
Awards
Merit Prize
Sep 1998Affiliations
Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut
Feb 2015The 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.
+ Read MoreMusic Teachers National Association
Mar 2003The 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.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
28 Reviews
Write a ReviewTamari Witkin is not only an incredible musician, but is one of only a few teachers who is deeply committed to making sure that any student she takes under her wing will fledge comfortably and competently. Tamari has a keen sense of exactly what is needed to help a particular student overcome a particular pianistic impediment to learning to play the piano. Moreover, she brims with such enthusiasm that it all becomes so much fun studying with her that one cannot help but feel like and sound like they are becoming a pianist.
I highly recommend anyone at any level of piano playing to study with Tamari,
NOW!!!!
It was a pleasure working with Tamari Witkin over the years that she was located in Milford and participated in the Schubert Club of Fairfield County. I am familiar with her piano performance, which was high level, showing fine musicianship and great sensitivity to the message of the pieces.
I have also sung with her; and again, she shows a high degree of musicianship!
I had fun doing a demo for her piano promotional video. Tamari also gave me excellent practicing strategies as a beginner violinist. She is passionate about music and teaching.
Had my first piano lesson today with Tamari. It was awesome! I learned so much and how to practice . She is very patient and made me feel like I can learn to play the piano at the age of 64!!!
Our 7 year old is excited about what he learned on the first day of guitar from Tamari.
Great beginner lesson!
Great first lesson. She clearly knows the technical aspects of piano and has a wonderful personality too!!
Tamari is excellent with our 7y/o daughter. She is very thorough and detailed in her instruction. We love how she involves us, the parents, in the lesson. We could not be happier.
As a fellow teacher, pianist and choral director, I know a fine musician and teacher when I see one, and I am happy to recommend Tamari Witkin as an outstanding teacher of piano, voice and composition. As a highly versatile, knowledgeable, multi-faceted musician and coach, she motivates her students of all ages, from beginner to advanced levels, to keep reaching for ever-higher levels. Tamari's enthusiasm and creativity as an instructor make taking lessons from her both interesting and fun. She skillfully and thoughtfully communicates the language, meaning and joy of making music. Tamari is exceptional in encouraging and motivating her students. These qualities are what make up the keys to what it's all about; the bottom line: one would be hard-pressed to find a better balanced and effective teacher of music.
+ Read MoreI am a fellow musician and piano teacher. I've known Tamari for well over a decade, and know her to be a dedicated teacher of piano. I've heard her sing at performances hosted by The Schubert Club of Fairfield County here in Connecticut, and she is quite skilled. I haven't seen Tamari in a formal piano performance, but we've sight-read piano music together at home, and she is very capable. Tamari's greatest strength is her warm and caring personality, which is essential for relating to students. Put that together with her excellent musical training, and you have a dynamite teacher.
+ Read MoreI have known Tamari Witkin for about four years through a very active music club called The Schubert Club of Fairfield County. She and I have performed vocal duets for the other members of the club on two occasions, and recently we were members of a quartet presenting music from a Bach Cantata. In addition, I have listened to her perform as a solo pianist on several occasions and was impressed with her musical ability.
Tamari is delightful to perform with, because her musicianship is highly professional, and she works well with other performers. In rehearsal, she is able to communicate her ideas about the inner structure of the music, giving her partners clear insights into the composer’s intent that helps them achieve a more satisfying performance.
I have been a voice teacher for over forty years, teaching both young and older students the craft of singing. My long years of experience have taught me that effective communication (from teacher to student) lies at that heart of developing an artist. Although I have not witnessed Tamari in a teaching capacity, I believe from the association I have had with her that she would be an effective and capable teacher.
Tamari is a very nice and a talented teacher. I learned a lot while working with her and feel more comfortable with the guitar now.
Tamari is very knowledgeable to music theory, and she is able to turn the deep theory into plain and fun language that children can easily understand. She is also very patient and nice. Our kid is really enjoying her class.
I found her to be extremely knowledgeable and easy to learn from.
with a spirited enthusiastic approach in
her teaching method.
I have worked with Tamari and found her very knowledgable about music. She has a great teaching technique and is very helpful.
Tamari taught lessons to two of my daughters. She was patient with them and helped them learn both theory and performance. The recitals were also enjoyable and rewarding. I would recommend Tamari for lessons.
Tamari is a wonderful teacher very professional and patient, helps you to stretch and meet your potential. I highly recommend her.
We had really great experience with Tamari, my daughter had great foundation on piano and guitar .
I would definitely recommend her.
Highly accomplished excellent teacher. Patient, kind and very good with beginner students. Highly recommended.
I have known Tamari since 1989 when she was the graduate student of renowned pianist Edward Auer at the University of Indiana Bloomington's School of Music. Tamar has a broad and extensive background in classical piano performance and teaching. She is a dedicated, compassionate and astute teacher committed to the person and artistry of her pupils. She is also a person with a rich arts and cultural background, as well as being extremely enterprising and persevering in other support endeavors such as her Legal Shield work, and coaching work. It would be a privilege to learn from Tamari's humanistic wealth of knowledge, talent and experience.
+ Read MoreFantastic and knowledgeable teacher. Patient, kind and willing to work with even an amateur like myself. Made my first musical performance possible through careful prep. Highly reccomended
For more than a decade I have followed Tamari’s piano performances, compositions, choir direction, and performances of her students. The results have been superb as attested by audiences, colleagues, and those under her direction, including former performers with the Metropolitan Opera and other distinguished musicians.
I am delighted to learn that she has decided to take some additional fortunate students, including beginners. I have also witnessed excellent performances by her justifiably proud beginner students.
I am pleased to recommend Tamari as an excellent music teacher of piano, voice, or composition for students of any level.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Johnson
Tamari is a wonderful musician. She enjoys teaching at all levels and brings joy, fun, and creativity to what she obviously loves doing ! Definitely a people person
Tamari is a very effective communicator who strives to help her students understand the subject matter in a clear and concise way. She also has a wonderful heart which keeps her students at ease. Tamari creates an enjoyable and satisfying learning experience and come highly recommended.
+ Read MoreExcellent instructor, very professional. Highly recommended.
Tamari is a very diligent, hard-working, articulate professional. She has excellent communication skills and always gives 110 percent when she is very passionate about something. She would be a tremendous asset to your organization.
Tamari Witkin is an excellent pianist and singer. She maintains an infectious enthusiasm for music and would be an excellen t teacher.