Haymarket, VA ESL Lessons

of 1983 to 1997. I taught private students after school in my classroom while I was a public school teacher, and from my home since 1997. My post-graduate continuing professional education includes Tennessee Arts Academy at Belmont University, Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1 (vocal teaching techniques, do-re-mi, ear training), Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification, Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Piano Lab certification. My professionalism and expertise are at your service. I will work together with you to insure an enjoyable and informative learning experience.

*** Lesson Details ***
A typical lesson in my studio would begin with a brief question/answer time with the student to learn how their week has gone, and how their music practice is progressing.

For PIANO LESSONS we begin with Technique including scales and dexterity exercises, then we play from the Lesson book and a Recital selection. I typically let the student play through the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to play the piece again. After that we go over the Theory assignments, and do Ear Training exercises. I am comfortable teaching from a variety of different methods courses. The methods course is chosen according to the student's interest. I never require a piano student to continue using books that are not inspiring. There so many methods courses available, that a student may always be able to have methods books they LOVE.

In my SINGING LESSONS we also begin with a recap of the student's week. Then we continue with Warm Up exercises to prepare the student's voice for the lesson. Then we study Sight Singing and Solfege Singing (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do) to increase the student's listening skills. After that the student sings their selections. Like I do in Piano lessons, I listen to the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to sing the piece again. I am comfortable teaching many styles of vocal music including classical, Broadway, pop, rock, and Christian.

For MUSIC THEORY lessons, the study material is chosen according to the student's interest and age. Topics include notation, chord structure, chord progression, melodic structure, and harmony. I also incorporate Music Listening in the Music Theory lesson in order to learn from the masters in many styles of music. My Music Theory students will also have the opportunity to develop composition and songwriting skills if they desire.

My teaching style is structured and friendly, keeping the student's goals and interests at the forefront. I enjoy motivating students to reach their highest potential.
After 3 to 6 months in my studio my students will see improvement in their musical technique, ear training, music reading, notation, and knowledge. They will be preparing recital pieces for an upcoming performance. I provide three Studio Class performances (February, June, October) and one recital opportunity (December) a year. Most importantly, the student's love and appreciation of music will be growing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PIANO lessons in Living Room: piano near front entryway, couch, loveseat, over-sized chair, dining room table, open space, end table with chair, parents may sit in on lesson.

SINGING lessons in Recording Studio: keyboard, recording equipment, desk, 2 chairs, music stand, microphone, private room. Parents may wait in adjacent rec room or sit in on lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson books, the students should provide their instrument.

I do have a mobile keyboard to bring for SINGING lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1

Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification

Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Lab certified instructor

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