Teaches online
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Age: 5+
Speaks Afrikaans
Teaching since 2005
Dual Major: Songwriting & Music Education
About Zarni d.
5.0
(3)
Hello!
My name is Zarni and I am a recent graduate from the Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors in Music Education and Songwriting. During my time at Berklee I received two scholarships, The Korg Endowed for Early Childhood Education and the Scott Benson Scholarship, the highest award given for Songwriting. Most recently I won Most Promising Music Educator Award in the Choral department, an award given by the Dean of the Berklee College of Music.
I am just as passionate about writing, listening to, learning and analyzing the popular music that you listen to!
I have taught in several different environments. I taught for two years at the West End Boys and Girls Club (an after school program for teens ages 10-18) as a vocal and piano teacher. I also started a songwriting program for students that were interested in writing. We rapped together, played pop tunes together, learned how to sing harmonies together and I became a tutor to many of these students wanting to learn songs that they loved. I was also the Berklee Summer Day Sessions Vocal instructor where I had a different group of vocalists every week and we prepared for a final performance. I have also traveled abroad to Cyprus (near Greece) to write, direct and choreograph a musical for students to help them with English language skills through music. Along with teaching, I am also an active songwriter and touring artist. I have been lucky enough to experience what touring is like with some major acts as well as shared the stage with the talented Mary Lambert (of Macklemore) and many more.
*** Lesson Details ***
My students have always had the opportunity to offer ideas on which songs they wanted to learn. I like to give my vocalists instruction on how to breathe properly, how to use the voice in various ways while always being healthy, and of course the important aspects of performance. I am an experienced performer but I know how intimidating it can be when you first get up in front of an audience. I have seen so many of my students become terrific performers using some basic techniques to understand how simple fixes can transform an entire performance. For my students that just love to play piano and sing, I make my lessons fun by making sure that my students always appreciate the music they are playing or singing. Lessons are a team work where the student says what they want to learn, I provide honest and patient feedback while teaching and I introduce new things and songs sometimes when the student seems ready to explore music in other ways! use a variety of method books (Hanon, Bastien, Belwin) for beginning students and a variety of pieces from different repertoire (Classical, Jazz, Pop) for more experienced students. I am classically trained in both voice and piano but I love singing and teaching all styles of music. I do expect that my students practice for their lessons, but also encourage students to explore on their instrument playing any style of music that they choose. I will always be there to help students make a connection between what they already know from listening to music and new musical concepts and techniques.
I work well with out going and shy students because I understand that music is easy in many ways but also difficult in other ways and I take a compassionate and caring approach to each of my students as we explore music together!
*** Studio Equipment ***
f/w keyboard, small recording studio with speakers and audio tech mics, can record her vocal students nice clean space seating for parents
*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a keyboard, mic and some recording equipment including laptop, Audiobox USB, Audiotech Mic, Logic
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical, Pop, Jazz for piano and voice and all styles for Songwriting. I also have plenty of experience with stage performance both theatrical and contemporary.
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
West Ave
Teaching Hours
Monday
7 AM-9 AM
Tuesday
7 AM-7 PM
Wednesday
7 AM-9 AM
Thursday
7 AM-7 PM
Friday
7 AM-9 AM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$40
60 minutes
$50
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5.0
3 Reviews
Carolanne Fougera
Online
I had a very specific need for a voice teacher, arranger, accompanist and had two months to put together this small medley project for a family gathering. Zarni was the first teacher I contacted after seeing that she fit the bill the closest in terms of background and that she would work with my constraints - online only, limited period only.
I would say I got the whole package with her. She gave great feedback and really partnered with me in the whole arranging, scrapping, reforming process of getting the songs to fit just right and not be so long and be creative with the transitions. In addition, her vocal advice really helped me get the right mndset and approach especially on the parts I was insecure about which were the high notes. Her most excellent accompaniment was the finale that just wrapped the whole package together.
Highly recommend her; her encouragement and nice way of making suggestions and corrections, as well as her flexibility with my crazy work schedule made her a breeze to work with.
Posted May 16, 2016
Robyn Olson
Student's home
Zarni is an incredible teacher that helped me greatly improve my piano skills. She goes above and beyond just teaching technique, as she also helped me with my performance aspect and entertainment value when playing to an audience. I would highly recommend Zarni to anyone!
Posted Jan 17, 2015
DaveP
Awesome Instructor
We feel very fortunate to have Zarni helping our son with his music. He can't wait for each lesson and is really improving under Zarnis direction.Appreciate the thoughtful attention and notes and working on a plan that inspires him to play. Highly recommend.
Posted Jun 16, 2012
Experience
Dueling Pianist
Jan, 2012 - Jan, 2014Keys on Main
I worked as a Dueling Pianist for two years singing and playing everything from Classical to Rap.
Education
Dual Major: Songwriting & Music Education
Sep, 2007 - Jan, 2011Berklee College of Music
Certifications
Korg Endowed Scholarship
May, 2011Berklee College of Music
This Scholarship is given to Outstanding Educators in Elementary Music Education
Awards
Scott Benson Scholarship
Mar, 2011Berklee College of Music
Languages
Afrikaans
Native Proficiency
Zarni's Gallery
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
West Ave
Teaching Hours
Monday
7 AM-9 AM
Tuesday
7 AM-7 PM
Wednesday
7 AM-9 AM
Thursday
7 AM-7 PM
Friday
7 AM-9 AM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$40
60 minutes
$50
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