Teaching Method and Philosophy
I've been playing piano since I was 4, cello since I was 11 and started teaching when I was still a teenager. I studied piano through college, received my undergraduate degree in cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin and continued with graduate study at Indiana University. I’ve performed around the world - as an orchestral, chamber and back-up musician ~ music has immeasurably expanded my world, and I love to be able to pass my experience on to others!
Although I was trained in "old school" methods I've broadened my view of the role of music in our lives considerably in the past few years. First and foremost, I want to encourage a love of music - of all kinds. I give my students the tools to understand what they're doing - to really speak the language of music - so they can have music as an oasis in a busy life, whether that's sitting down at the end of a long day and playing a favorite Journey song, or taking a study break with some Bach. There are more than five centuries of "classical music" to explore and about a hundred years of popular...we can definitely find something that piques the interest of every student!
As I get to know each student, I like to find a way to weave playing their instrument - even if it's for only 15 minutes for younger children - into daily lives so it just becomes part of their world.
My teaching method is eclectic and based on my broad experience. I work with the student and parents to determine individual goals and while each student will be getting a core curriculum that will provide them all the necessary musical tools they need for success, the methods will be different for each person. Love “Let It Go”? Great! That will be a reward to play after a few other things on the practice schedule - getting students excited about music is awesome!
Interested in Festivals, Exams and Contests? We will discuss on an individual basis - there are plenty to choose from! I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Texas Music Teachers Association and am experienced preparing students for the ABRSM exams. These are the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - examiners come over from the UK to evaluate performance, musicianship and more - much of the way I teach encompasses their requirements so if this is something you're interested in, we will talk more! Exam entry fees vary and there will be additional costs for purchasing music.
Although I was trained in "old school" methods I've broadened my view of the role of music in our lives considerably in the past few years. First and foremost, I want to encourage a love of music - of all kinds. I give my students the tools to understand what they're doing - to really speak the language of music - so they can have music as an oasis in a busy life, whether that's sitting down at the end of a long day and playing a favorite Journey song, or taking a study break with some Bach. There are more than five centuries of "classical music" to explore and about a hundred years of popular...we can definitely find something that piques the interest of every student!
As I get to know each student, I like to find a way to weave playing their instrument - even if it's for only 15 minutes for younger children - into daily lives so it just becomes part of their world.
My teaching method is eclectic and based on my broad experience. I work with the student and parents to determine individual goals and while each student will be getting a core curriculum that will provide them all the necessary musical tools they need for success, the methods will be different for each person. Love “Let It Go”? Great! That will be a reward to play after a few other things on the practice schedule - getting students excited about music is awesome!
Interested in Festivals, Exams and Contests? We will discuss on an individual basis - there are plenty to choose from! I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Texas Music Teachers Association and am experienced preparing students for the ABRSM exams. These are the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - examiners come over from the UK to evaluate performance, musicianship and more - much of the way I teach encompasses their requirements so if this is something you're interested in, we will talk more! Exam entry fees vary and there will be additional costs for purchasing music.
Studio Policies
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Music - performance and teaching - is a large part of my income, so it's necessary to have some policies in place to create stability for all of us!
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Supplies
I will provide each student with a spiral notebook at their first lesson. We'll keep track of assignments, practicing, progress, goals and achievements! You will be responsible for purchasing your student's music books - either from me if I have them or from Strait Music/Amazon, etc.
Cello students need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washrag works well for this), rockstop, metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable! I highly recommend WESTBANK STRINGS for your needs. BLACKERBY VIOLIN SHOP is also extremely good. Please use one of these two shops to ensure quality instruments and service.
Piano students need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Cello students need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washrag works well for this), rockstop, metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable! I highly recommend WESTBANK STRINGS for your needs. BLACKERBY VIOLIN SHOP is also extremely good. Please use one of these two shops to ensure quality instruments and service.
Piano students need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Tuition
Students receive a once weekly private lesson - I offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons and we'll select the best option depending on the student's age, goals and level. I can teach adults on a more "a la carte" schedule as long as lessons times are before or after those "after-school hours" that are so coveted!
I will host small at-home "practice" recitals during the school year for students to come and share their accomplishments about once a month - they will be casual and a chance to enjoy some music, maybe sight-read some duets with other students, get to know other students and parents in the studio and have some cookies! Participation will be up to you and is not required. No additional fee for this.
For students who begin during the summer, I'm more than happy to work around summer camps and vacations!
2024-2025 School year Information
There will be 32 lessons per student for the 2024-2025 school year - some months there will be 3 lessons, some months 5 but the monthly fee is the same as it's based on the school year. Please let me know any questions about this! I DO have Monday lessons scheduled for MLK Day and Memorial Day - if you are a Monday student and will be out of town those days, we will schedule a make-up. If you need to leave the studio during the year, please give me four lessons' minimum notice. I will have all parents complete a registration form for their kids indicating this information and understanding of studio, tuition and makeup policies.
IMPORTANT: As the schedule stands, there are 35 weeks available for lessons during the school year and your student will have 32 lessons. I will be taking these weeks off and I will give you at least TWO WEEKS notice for each of these weeks - these lessons do not need to be made up as they are not in the fee calculation.
Monthly lesson fees, payable at the first lesson of the month September - May.
30 minute weekly lesson: $178/mo
45 minute weekly lesson: $267/mo
60 minute weekly lesson: $356/mo
Payment can be made via Venmo or PayPal (friends/family option for both of these), Zelle, cash or check.
Important dates for 2024-2025
September 2 - Fall lessons start!
Nov 25-Dec 3 - Thanksgiving break - no lessons
Dec 6 - "practice" recital at the studio to prepare for Dec 7 for those students who want to come. Time TBD
Dec 7 3pm - Fall recital at Blackerby Violin Shop on Anderson Lane
December 23 - January 4 - Winter break - no lessons
March 17-22 - Spring Break - no lessons
May 17/18 (TBC) - Spring Recital
May 31 - last day of spring semester lessons
June 9 - Summer lessons begin!
I will host small at-home "practice" recitals during the school year for students to come and share their accomplishments about once a month - they will be casual and a chance to enjoy some music, maybe sight-read some duets with other students, get to know other students and parents in the studio and have some cookies! Participation will be up to you and is not required. No additional fee for this.
For students who begin during the summer, I'm more than happy to work around summer camps and vacations!
2024-2025 School year Information
There will be 32 lessons per student for the 2024-2025 school year - some months there will be 3 lessons, some months 5 but the monthly fee is the same as it's based on the school year. Please let me know any questions about this! I DO have Monday lessons scheduled for MLK Day and Memorial Day - if you are a Monday student and will be out of town those days, we will schedule a make-up. If you need to leave the studio during the year, please give me four lessons' minimum notice. I will have all parents complete a registration form for their kids indicating this information and understanding of studio, tuition and makeup policies.
IMPORTANT: As the schedule stands, there are 35 weeks available for lessons during the school year and your student will have 32 lessons. I will be taking these weeks off and I will give you at least TWO WEEKS notice for each of these weeks - these lessons do not need to be made up as they are not in the fee calculation.
Monthly lesson fees, payable at the first lesson of the month September - May.
30 minute weekly lesson: $178/mo
45 minute weekly lesson: $267/mo
60 minute weekly lesson: $356/mo
Payment can be made via Venmo or PayPal (friends/family option for both of these), Zelle, cash or check.
Important dates for 2024-2025
September 2 - Fall lessons start!
Nov 25-Dec 3 - Thanksgiving break - no lessons
Dec 6 - "practice" recital at the studio to prepare for Dec 7 for those students who want to come. Time TBD
Dec 7 3pm - Fall recital at Blackerby Violin Shop on Anderson Lane
December 23 - January 4 - Winter break - no lessons
March 17-22 - Spring Break - no lessons
May 17/18 (TBC) - Spring Recital
May 31 - last day of spring semester lessons
June 9 - Summer lessons begin!
About Practicing...
Part of playing an instrument is regular practice time - and a critical component of that is learning HOW to practice (or, as I like to call it, "train"). There will be days that students are excited to play and days that they greet the prospect as enthusiastically as taking out the garbage - however, it is crucial that we work as a team to support the student's progress and help motivate them. I am not above using bribery in the form of stickers and other fun motivational tools and parents, you can do it too! I will ask the student to keep track of the time they have practiced - it is far better for them to do 15 minutes a day than an hour and a half in one session of "crash practicing". I fully understand the demands on school kids and will be flexible with my expectations by reducing minimum practice requirements during academically challenging weeks. Ultimately, we will develop goals for each student and they will learn to take responsibility for achieving them. As Yoda says, "do or do not...there is no try".
Make-up Lessons
If you need to reschedule a lesson, please give me as much notice as possible - at least 24 hours unless there is a medical emergency. I will do the same. Any lesson with adequate notice will receive a makeup and I will always make up any lesson that I need to change. There are no refunds or make-ups for missed lessons without notice.
Recitals
Performance is an important part of the musical experience - why keep the joy to yourself?! For in-person students we will have recitals at least twice a year - some may be in retirement or care homes, others may be in churches or performance spaces - we will create this together! If you have a favourite place you like to play, let me know and I'll make it happen!
NOTE: I can start students at any point during the year - the best time to start an instrument is when you're ready! Or even when you're not ready - if you're thinking about it, just go for it!
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