Cowpens, SC Music Performance Lessons

e always enjoyed discussing music and educating others on its many aspects. As such I began teaching during summers home from Berklee and found that it was something I had a great deal of talent for. Now, with seven years of teaching experience behind me, I look forward to bringing my skills and insights to students of all ages and bring not only ability on the guitar but a greater love of music to a fresh crop of open minds!!

In addition to guitar, I am also qualified to teach voice, public speaking, dramatic acting, and all aspects of music theory, the latter of which I incorporate into all of my music lessons.

A FEW THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:

1. I am able to take lessons in your home or over Skype. I am no longer accepting lessons in my home.

2. Please only pick one teacher. I don't know why people do this but on more than one occasion I've had students come to me and say "I'm doing lessons with you and this other guy. I figure I can learn different things from both of you." You only need one teacher- if that's not me, I understand.

3. I will NOT remove you as a client on Takelessons so that I can take money under the table from you directly. Sometimes clients will say "the lessons on Takelessons are expensive- is there any way I can just pay you directly?" No, you may not. The amount you are paying is MY specified fee from which Takelessons takes a commission so paying me directly would not save you money. Furthermore, I have a binding agreement with Takelessons not to do this. If you press me on this matter I will discontinue your lessons altogether.

4. Similarly, if you are coming to my profile on Takelessons do not contact me on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media attempting to circumvent Takelessons. Please book through Takelessons and I will be happy to address any questions you may have.

*** Lesson Details ***
Although I follow a specific lesson plan, its important to customize that to each student's skill level and specific needs. Thus, I will spend the first lesson evaluating where the student is in terms of overall musical awareness, existing skill on the instrument, and long term interest.

By the end of the first month, my beginning students will be able to perform basic chromatic and major scales, name the notes on the instrument, and have command of a few basic chords. With these core concepts and regular, committed practice, they will be able to learn and perform songs in a wide variety of styles after 3 to 6 months have passed.

My more advanced students will have a lesson plan customized to their specific goals and desires. In 3 to 6 months with such a student I will have them well on the path to accomplishing their long term goals, whether those be playing, composition, harmonic awareness, understanding of theory, or all of the above.

*** Studio Equipment ***
dedicated music room; cables/amps; electric & acoustic guitars; keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
Electric or acoustic guitar as needed.

*** Specialties ***
Having graduated from the Berklee College of Music, I follow their approach in educating the student. In this regard I teach music theory along with the physical act of playing the guitar, which serves to not only enrich the experience for the student but demonstrate how what they are learning is applied to music on the whole.

I am fluent in many genres and specialize in rock, jazz, the blues, and various fusion genres. Because music functions off of the same principles regardless of genre, I can take whatever style the student might best appreciate and structure my lesson plan around it.

a unique and extremely well rounded musician. Currently Armen resides in Los Angeles, CA where he is active with various orchestras, including the LA Opera.

He also routinely performs for sound track recordings with the major motion picture companies. In addition, Armen has worked with many well-known artists including Ray Charles, Barry White, Yanni, Sarah Brightman, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Here is a list of artists Armen M. has performed with: Yanni, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Olga Tañon, Jose-Jose, Lucero, Cristian Castro, Alanis Morissette and Marco Antonio Solis.

We are on!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very strict and laid back at the same time. I pay a lot of attention to the technical detailes

.The curriculum is based on the level the student is presently. It reneges from simple scale books to Paganini caprices.

I encourage every student to have at list two recitals a year. Lessons are very intense and productive and i welcome you to my studio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1) Music room w/ piano and seating for parents

2) Office room w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
violin and music

*** Specialties ***
European/Russian violin school

t on. We are in Rotary and support many community activities.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have - 4 Professional teaching studios - that are in nice locations.

I really enjoy my job and have a lot of great equipment; we work hard, but have a lot of fun too.

*** Travel Equipment ***
(1) Respectfully what is reasonable. I am a full time musician, I am flexible and happy - we can work these things out.

(We have a lot of equipment, I am very thankful). We have very good business relationships in the community.

I appreciate my job.

*** Specialties ***
(1) Group interactive method based on theory.
(2) Students show leadership in their own program.
(3) Students work with me (instructor) on Lesson Plans.
(4) Students pick out material they want to study.
(5) Students work on (ear training) and reading music.

d concert
producer, I truthfully understand that each singer comes from different musical backgrounds, styles, genres, strengths, insecurities, levels and purposes for doing what we all do. I am a firm believer that there isn't a single vocal method out
there that really works for everyone. But rather it is about observation of yourself without judgement and TRULY understanding how vocal production works in your body in relation to your breath, your mind, and your soul. Through years of training and education, I've witnessed a lot of vocal instructions where “it’s either my way or nothing else would work”. I am not here to dictate how you should sing in a certain way.�I am here to help you and guide you in understanding your body in relation to sound production and to cultivate your own method of vocal technique
in your own words and in your own logic that actually works for you.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal Standard, Pop, Musical Theatre, Classical, Singer songwriter.

First Prize in the 14th International Piano Competition for Young Pianists in Rome, Italy, and was awarded a Special Prize. In year 2006 Ms. S. won the Puigcerda International Piano Competition in Spain. In the same year she recorded the complete works for piano and orchestra by Balakirev with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra for NAXOS records. In 2008 Ms. S. received the “Outstanding Award”, which granted her a return engagement to give a second solo recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2010 Anastasia was awarded a Special Prize for the best interpretation of French composition at the International Piano Competition “Parnassos” in Mexico. Her solo recital in 2008 at the Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago was broadcast live on WFMT Radio, in Internet, and on the TV-Station “Channel 25“; Anastasia was invited to play there again in 2011. Her career continues with numerous appearances as a soloist both in concertos with orchestra, in solo recitals, and in chamber music concerts in Ukraine, Germany, Macedonia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Russia, USA, and Japan. Anastasia’s recent engagements included a performance at the Bolshoi Hall of Moscow Conservatory as well as solo appearances with orchestras in the United States and Germany featuring concerti by Prokofieff, Mozart, Grieg, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky. In 2014 her new CD "Music of Russian-Jewish composers for oboe and piano" was released. Currently, Anastasia is working on her two new solo CD's for Centaur Records.

In 2013, Anastasia was granted the Extraordinary Abilities in the Arts permanent US residence, as one of a small percentage of those who have risen to the top in their field of endeavor. Anastasia served as an Adjunct Faculty in Piano and Chamber Music at the Hartt School, and is currently on faculty of the New England Conservatory in Boston.

I offer scholarships for advanced level students upon request.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Grand Piano. Piano books and theory material available if needed

*** Travel Equipment ***
Travel myself by car

*** Specialties ***
Traditional piano method. Classical music.

itar and start singing." -- Angelina, age 16

*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson will begin with tuning the guitar and warm-ups. Then we'll move on to either our practice books or a song or piece you have chosen to learn and study not found in the books.

If you are beginner, we'll start with how you handle the guitar and any technique issues. Then we'll work on note and chord recognition, the ability to sight-read and play from memory.

*** Studio Equipment ***
2011 Apple iMac;
MXL 910 microphone;
Yamaha Nylon-String Electric-Acoustic Guitar;
Yamaha Steel String Guitar;
Gibson Les Paul Special Electric Guitar;
Esteve Spanish Classical Guitar;
Roland Cube 80 electric guitar amplifier;
Ibanez T80 acoustic guitar amplifier

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music Stands;
Foot Rests

*** Specialties ***
Song Transcriptions - Use your ear to learn and notate song melodies and the guitar parts

inning to advanced students. With a doctoral minor field in music theory, Kristie provides students with a thorough understanding of how music actually works.

Kristie also teaches improvisation and playing from lead sheets.

*** Ten Great Reasons to Join Kristie's Music Studio ***
1. Kristie loves to really get to know her students, so that she can tailor lessons to fit each student's particular goals and interests.
2. One of Kristie's foremost priorities as a teacher is to help her students learn to teach themselves. Independent learning skills are valuable in all areas of life, particularly schoolwork.
3. Kristie seeks a balance between challenging her students and cultivating creativity.
4. As a professional musician with over fifteen years of experience, Kristie has the capability to take those students who are serious about playing music from the absolute beginning to the advanced collegiate level.
5. Kristie is a nationally award-winning musician known for her impeccable technique, beautiful tone, and precise rhythm. She is committed to imparting these qualities to her students.
6. Kristie uses her strong background in music theory to help her students understand how music is put together, from the simplest concepts of key and meter to complex theories of phrasing.
7. Kristie teaches a range of musical skills, including improvisation and composition.
8. Kristie has been privileged to study with wonderful, internationally respected teachers. She loves to learn and is active in the musical community, both online and locally. This allows her to continually add to her knowledge of the piano and her teaching skills.
9. Kristie encourages all her students to have fun playing music!
10. Kristie's piano studio is a nurturing environment where students of all ages and all levels feel safe, welcome and supported in their musical journey.

*** Getting Started ***
At the first lesson, Kristie will get to know you and ask questions about your goals and interests, so that she can tailor the lessons to fit your needs.

If you are a brand-new beginner, Kristie will start with an introduction to music and get you going with several fun pieces to go home and practice.

If you are a transfer student or if you already play another instrument or sing, it is helpful to bring any previous or current music books and to be prepared to play a couple of pieces. These pieces do not necessarily need to be memorized or performance-ready; the idea is to give Kristie an idea of what you already know and where you would like to grow.

*** Lesson Details ***
For beginning piano students, Kristie uses the Faber method.

Lessons typically include music theory. Students will be given clear assignments to practice and complete.

Depending on the student's level, background, and interests, piano lessons may also include:
Scales, arpeggios, or études (technical development)
Improvisation and playing from lead sheets (for pop or jazz music)
Composition (learning how to create and notate your own music)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Kawai baby grand piano
Lyon and Healy harps

*** Special Needs ***
Please inquire, as this is on a case by case basis.

ublic or to make singing your lifelong career; I am the person who will help you elevate yourself. The students I will accept must be willing to commit to a minimum of 5 lessons.

et in Wicker Park, we will have access to an 8 1/2 foot concert grand.

I am also flexible doing lessons every other week, allowing busy adult students to get some practice in.

Brief Educational Snapshot:

Doctorate in Education, EdD
-Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
-Awarded Full Academic Scholarship
-Alpha Sigma Nu [ΑΣΝ] High Academic Honors

Masters in Music Education, MMEd
-VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois
-Academic Dean’s List
-Awarded Talent Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts in Music, BAMus
-Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, BAPh
-Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois