Newport News, VA Music Theory Lessons

ow to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music. There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn? Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or on line.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

and more eager to share and more and more open to the possibilities ahead.

*** Lesson Details ***
I listen well to my students. They are free and encouraged to express their goals and soon, they become more and more comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves.

My teaching style is natural, relaxed and yet, very enthusiastic, all at the same time. I have patience in abundance and my continual student affirmation is well received. I give most attention to personalizing instruction for each of my students. My passion for musical expression is contagious and readily shared. It is a joy to teach music, to contribute to the growth and delight that I witness through a student's progress.

I have taught music to both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels. My teaching approach remains the same, save for the goals that suit the specific student, which we discover early on, sometimes even at the first session, together, right from the start. My beginning students receive the attention necessary to encourage their desire to persevere, which includes positive feedback (which is abundant) and a teaching style that fits his/her level of learning. My student's success is my goal. This is my jubilant mission.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, guitars,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I own 4 guitars, 1 classical, 2 acoustic/electric, and 1 electric, which I can provide for the lesson, if necessary.
I own a Baldwin Acrasonic piano.

The students will need to buy their books.

*** Specialties ***
Methods: Clear presentation of the instrument and the most comfortable way to achieve the best playing results. Emphasis on Theory including chords and improvisation.

Styles: From Classical to Broadway to Folk to Rock to Jazz to Blues.
Genres: All

c reading examples.

More advanced students can expect to review proper technique and work on appropriate etudes and solo repertoire. I spend a lot of time working on practice technique. Confidence building if necessary. If the student plays in a jazz band we can work on bebop/swing/improvisation as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a stand, tuner, metronome, and video and audio recording devices should we decide to use them.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide teaching materials and can bring a music stand. Student needs working instrument, and should own a tuner, metronome, and music stand. For a tuner/metronome I recommend a Korg TM-50. Nearly anything will do for a stand but I'd avoid a flimsy fold-up stand. I recommend an On-Stage SM7211. Can't go wrong with a Manhasset black stand either.

*** Specialties ***
Classical solo repertoire and audition preparation. Blues and bebop improvisation. Musicality and lyricism. Technique.

ent**
Boston Baby Grand - Teaching Room A
Yamaha Upright - Teaching Room B
Janssen Upright - Classroom

e Classics, featured National Anthem Singer for the University of Southern Mississippi basketball games, and one of the premier vocalists for the United States Air Force Reserves 403rd Wing.

Her Theatrical Roles include: Nurse in The Outsiders 2000, Alicia in Stormin' The Teachers Lounge, Fantine in Les Miserables, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Tantomile in Cats, Sonia Gibbons in Godspell, and Nehebka in Aida. She has also been involved in working backstage in Stage Left in West Side Story, Assistant Director in Cabaret, and Stage Right in Into the Woods.

Nikki has studied under James Harrell, Sharon Martin, Larry Panella (Director of Jazz Studies/Vocal Jazz & Jazz Piano Coach, University of Southern Mississippi), Dr. John Flanery, Dr. David Knowles, Dr. Barbara Mathis and Dr. Maryann Kyle.

She is able to adapt to many different music genres to serve your musical needs. Specializing in Jazz vocals to include Scat Singing. She is the first vocalist at the University of Southern Mississippi to complete the full two-year Jazz Improvisation Course Sequence. Able to sightread music and give a quality meaningful performance, she is ready to entertain at your next event. She was also a Vocalist for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and kept a very lively Music Studio offering music lessons for children and adults in multiple locations in the Denver Metro Area.

Nikki is an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz Singing
Classical Singing

understanding music, but I also teach you how to sense the emotions in music as well as using your ear. I believe that each student has his or her own personal musical journey. I'm sensitive to that and want to give each student a head start on that journey. Teaching another person how to play, understand, and feel music is something that makes me come alive."

*** Studio Equipment ***
I own two digital pianos, both with weighted keys. And I recommend that each of my students has a piano of their own with weighted keys.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If need be I can bring a digital piano with me for in-home lessons.

***Booking Lessons***
When booking lessons please contact me beforehand to make sure I can accommodate your schedule. My calendar changes on a weekly basis.

unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better, with traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, improvisation, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best!

I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on Beatles One ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music.

**** MY STUDIO ****

My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummer going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons.

**** STYLES / GENRES ****

I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most.

My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, film/television, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged.

**** MY STUDENTS ****

Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction.

Do you have a song or two in your heart. Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals no matter what they may be!

a poet, songwriter, and composer, I want to share what I've learned about improvisation, refining raw ideas, and getting ideas from one's mind onto the page. Creative expression is a tremendously important part of life, and understanding the foundations of music can help us appreciate and interact with it on a higher, more fulfilling level!

My studio is in Hilltop, Virginia Beach. I am comfortable teaching a variety of styles and ages - nothing is too "out there" for me! I look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve your goals!