Music of the Heart Strings & Piano

Introduction: Baby De La Cruz is expected in July! While an exciting addition to our family, I will not be taking on new students before September or October 2019. Please check back for availability then! I am a classically trained Strings, Piano, & Spanish instructor dedicated to the success of my students, striving to impart to them the same passion that I have for music and language. In 2009, I graduated as valedictorian from Emmanuel College with a degree in Cello Performance and a minor in piano. My studies also focused on the Spanish language, music theory, chamber music, and orchestra, as well as string and piano pedagogy. My history of teaching, however, goes back to just after I had graduated high school, when I began giving private and group music lessons in 2002. I quickly learned to love it. During college, I took on some new students and continued to gain experience in a variety of instruments as I took classes and taught not only cello, but also piano and violin. Within months of my college graduation, I became involved with a mission school in the Dominican Republic, where I taught music theory, history, chorale, and private lessons -- all in the Spanish language. Now, back in the United States with my little family, I have a home studio where I continue to offer lessons. I love watching students become musicians as their love and knowledge of music grows. As for Spanish, I teach it to my own children daily, and tutor others as the opportunities arise. We have all heard that “practice makes perfect”. In reality, perfect practice makes perfect, and true improvement comes from proper practice technique. That can seem a difficult goal for students, so each lesson targets a realistic goal for practice techniques and improvement. As we work on the short-term objectives, we also have the long-term goal of recitals and possibly other performances throughout the year. Music theory has a place in each lesson, as it is one of the basics for eventual success in musicianship. I try to keep lessons engaging, however, and include duets and “fun” music to help spark an interest and love for music in the student. Because each student has his or her own learning style and purpose for studying music, lessons are individualized in order to help each one achieve his or her ultimate goal in music. When tutoring in the Spanish language, practice and repetition is key to learning. While there is always some serious study to be done, I encourage students to speak and to use everything they have learned, know matter how little they believe they know. Mistakes are naturally a part of learning, and should not be cause of discouragement or embarrassment. As a supplement to study and memorization, speaking, listening, and even singing are key to improvement.