Lesson Details
Ukulele
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tara teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- April 1995
I have a Masters in Education as well as having spent many years performing, teaching in one on one and group settings both privately and at music camps and festivals. I play and teach bluegrass, old time, Irish, and swing jazz styles. I like my students to really enjoy playing music and their lessons as well as learning to become fluent in the language of music. It is not required that folks learn to read music necessarily, but it can be a part of the lessons if desired. I love to see my students able to continue learning and playing on their own, be able to hold their own at jams and on the stage is they so desire, or just enjoy making music for themselves. I have techniques that have proven effective to help get past jam phobia, that help folks learn to improvise who have not had any luck with doing so before, and help getting away from sheet music addictions to be able to have fun and confidence out at jams. I also can give a good foundation in music theory as it applies to one's actual playing and have it be fun and make sense.
+ Read MoreExperience
Music Teacher and Musician
Aug 1996 - PresentI have been teaching music lessons for privately and at festivals and in workshops for around 15 years. I draw from my experiences learning in jam sessions and on stage as well as from ideas from a formalized University education. I have found it best to find the fun in music and after that is established the music theory and repertoire of tunes just follows and is incorporated easily in over time. I have studied different styles of music and I think that has helped my over all playing abilities in all of the genres.
+ Read MoreEducation
Masters Degree in Education
Sep 2003 - Jun 2006BA
Sep 1989 - Jun 1992Languages
English
Nepali
Thai
Certifications
Masters Degree in Education
Jul 2009Masters in Education
Awards
first place at many music competitions
Jan 2014Affiliations
International Bluegrass Music Association
Aug 2015IBMA is the trade association that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Photos & Videos
12 Reviews
Write a ReviewMy first lesson was great! I am a brand new player and Tara made it very easy to understand. I am very excited to learn more.
Great start. Tara was patient and easy going. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
So much fun. Tara has an infectious attitude for teaching! You can tell she loves it.
Tara is very knowledgeable and really connects well with her students.
Tara is a wonderful teacher. She made me feel comfortable about my short fingers even before we met for my first guitar lesson. She said she was sure she'd get me playing and we'd have some fun, and she was right! She's patient and respectful for where I'm at musically and short fingers and all, I'm finally, after a couple failed attempts at teaching myself, making music with this guitar!
+ Read MoreTara is very warm and patient. My 7-years old daughter (and I) really enjoyed her introduction lessons to Ukulele.
Tara's very knowledgeable about the mandolin and thorough in her teaching. She's also patient and keeps the session light and fun. Looking forward to learning more with her.
Lucky for me that TARA moved to NY when i decided to Take Acoustic Guitar Lessons.She is very Patient & Knowledgeable with Different Music Styles.I have been taking lessons for about a year with good results.
Great Teacher & Excellent Musician with Mandolin or Guitar Highly Recommend .
I took mandolin lessons from Tara for about a year and a half, and I can't say enough good things about her. I was a complete beginner when I started with her, and now I feel prepared and comfortable when I play at jams. Tara taught me a wide repertoire of tunes. She taught me ways to play different chords, how to move chords, how different players may use different chords in different styles, how to read guitar chords, how to adapt when guitars use capos, and how to simplify or add chords. She has really good insight on how to start improvising and taking breaks. I think she adapts her teaching to use the technique that will help make the concept make sense to you. She is a lot of fun to learn from, and it is super inspiring to watch her play. Tara is an awesome teacher, and I highly recommend her!
+ Read MoreTara has been teaching our 8 year old Evan Bluegrass guitar for a little over two years. He looked forward to his weekly opportunity to learn and play with Ms. Tara. To watch her interact - educate - and entertain Evan - was just a joy. We are sorry she has left Virginia - impossible to replace - if you get the chance - take it! She is an amazing teacher and a great friend of our Son.
+ Read MoreI've been taking lessons from Tara now for the better part of 4 years. She is talented, professional, engaging, knowledgeable, and most importantly, patient. She taught this old dog a lot of new tricks on the Mandolin. I still have a long way to go, but if you are looking for a Mando teacher, this lady is tops in my book. Sorry she left VA, but NY got themselves one good musician and teacher.
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