FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing I do when I meet a student is to interview the student and find out why they want to learn how to play the guitar and what are some of their goals. Then I find out what style of music they would like to learn. I have the student come up with ten songs they would like to learn. I take this information and structure future guitar lessons around the essential elements of these songs. I design each lesson to teach the specific skills required to learn those songs. I create an organized binder guitar workbook and having a teaching degree I create all of the lessons to meet each students individual needs that include lessons on theory, technique, chords, rhythm, scales, arpeggios, songs, song form, and exercises etc. I break down each song into easy digestible parts so students can learn a song in a logical and most manageable way. I incorporate lessons that I have learned in the classroom as a teacher to help my guitar students learn. I feel the most important thing for my student to learn about music is to have a lot of fun.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was a double major and went to the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College NY. I completed a 4 year music program and received a B.A. in Music (Studio Composition) and completed a B.A. in History in 2001. In the spring of 2008 I received my master's degree, an M.A.T. in Teaching in Middle Childhood Adolescence Education Grades 5-12 from Manhattanville College, deans list 3.56 GPA. In 1997 I won an award for most improved studio composition student at Purchase College. I have worked in education for the last 16 years and I am always learning something new when it comes to music. New ways to create better lessons and new ways to teach students music. Sometimes I even learn new ways of teaching from my students. As a teacher I am always striving to better myself in music education. Learning is something I will be doing for the rest of my life.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
At a very young age I learned that I loved music and was very good at it. There was something about music that moved me deep inside and I could connect to music. Music gave me hope, strength, and determination and has greatly influenced my life.