Remote Lessons

A Foundation For Their Future

Music Education offers so much more than just the opportunity to experience the joy of playing an instrument. Studies show that students who have early musical training develop language and reasoning skills, pattern recognition, and spatial intelligence. Learning music promotes drive towards excellence rather than mediocrity, and improves memorization skills. In addition to the intellectual benefits described above, music has been proven to increase various areas of emotional development. Students who train in music tend to have higher self esteem, display increased empathy, and are better at coping with anxiety. Having a strong foundation in music helps to develop the whole brain, and can foster a lifelong love of learning and creativity.

Supportive Environment

Teaching begins with providing a judgement-free environment. It is imperative that every student feel comfortable to be their true selves in order to be able to express authentically. Music making involves risk taking and experimenting, maybe making imperfect sounds in pursuit of creative expression. A secure safe space is crucial to this endeavor.

The first lesson is aimed at assessing where the student is at, what their goals are, and to begin to cultivate the special student-teacher bond so that genuine expression and learning can happen. From this moment onward I strive to provide support towards continual growth and learning.

Music Fundamentals

Without learning the alphabet, putting words and successively sentences together would prove an impossibility. In the same sense, music students learn to read music by first learning the basic fundamentals. Under my instruction students learn foundational music theory; beginning with basic note and rhythm reading, progressing to sight reading, and advanced music theory. This undertaking is not limited to young students, I have taught students of all ages to read music! All that is required is drive and dedication.

Students also learn how to take care of their instruments. My singers learn how to use their whole vocal range, they are also educated on proper vocal health including measures to prevent vocal harm. My guitar players also learn correct techniques to stave off future injuries.

Adaptive Learning For Every Student

I customize my curriculum based on student’s maturity, adeptness, experience, and level of engagement. Music is selected based on the taste and ability of each student with the aim of improvement in specific skill areas. A mix of challenging and straightforward repertoire is presented, allowing students to make continual progress while enjoying engaging in the learning process.

Genres

In my ten years of teaching and even longer experience as an actively gigging musician, I have both taught and performed everything from Italian opera repertoire to Taylor Swift to Ella Fitzgerald and everything in between. With the exception of hardcore genres including death metal and screamo, if you can think it, I have probably taught it!

Songwriting

One of my favorite areas of teaching is songwriting. I have been writing music for as long as I can remember. Being able to express myself creatively through the conduit of music has brought me much joy and gratification.

I admit that in my early years teaching I was somewhat overwhelmed by the idea of teaching songwriting and composition. In a subject area that is so subjective, I was nervous to teach one path in a forest with endless possible routes. However, with the open understanding that there are many many ways to create music, I have come to love sharing and teaching my songwriting techniques and practices. Throughout the years I have held songwriting camps for students of various age groups. I find great fulfillment in helping to stretch the creative fabric of the mind of those willing to take the journey.

Requirements

• Students must be 8+

• Laptop with Internet Access (Supporting Video Conferencing)

• Desire to learn!