Breanna Ellison, Music

Introduction: I've been teaching music for over 10 years. Currently, I teach all levels of piano and horn and beginning to intermediate piano accordion lessons. Piano lessons can range from classical to jazz to pop to alternative to folk to simply learning a song or piece that you enjoy. Horn lessons can consist of excerpt drilling, exploring your more melodic side, developing your technical prowess, improving fundamentals, and whatever you would like with whatever pieces you would like. (As an added bonus, I can also accompany you in your lessons, so hiring an accompanist is not necessary!) Accordion lessons can make you feel like you're traveling the world, from learning French zydeco to rhythmic Balkan insanity to sing-songy Irish folk to toe-tapping German polka. It is not agenda-driven learning; music lessons can be as career oriented and focused or as awe inspiring and challenging as you like. Students of all ages and levels of experience are welcome as are all genres of music. Music lessons are almost never pigeonholed into different categories that must be adhered to; rather, music lessons encompass all the components that make music "music." Music theory and music history are also taught in addition to fundamentals, technique, mental preparation, performance anxiety, and orchestral sectional psychology. There is no taboo. Communication is key. Therefore, learning must take place in a compassionate and professional atmosphere, where effort is not only required because lessons become effortless as a result of full engagement of the student. I want you to be enthralled with your learning. I can safely say through all my experiences (as an orchestral musician, entertaining busker, teacher, accompanist, freelancing musician, concert organizer, and fundraiser) that my theory of teaching and learning music is that it's all about connections. To learn music is to learn a completely new way of looking at the world. It is an inward journey of strength and discovery as much as it is an outwards one, learning to successfully and compassionately communicate with fellow musicians and anyone else who might cross your path. I have collaborated with individuals in both the instrumental and vocal realms -- trumpet, trombone, tuba, (French) horn, clarinet, flute, violin, viola, bass, sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, and baritones -- and have taught piano, horn, and beginning/intermediate wind instruments in both private and group settings. I love music, and even more, I love teaching music!