FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When meeting with a new student for the first time, we interview for an assessment of the student's musical level, influences, and goals -- including knowledge of their instrument, musical influences, musical goals, and physical abilities. From there, the first lesson will focus on setting achievements and offering initial practice work.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Tara was trained in Suzuki Method for Violin, from the age of 5, at Settlement Music School; and received formal lessons directly from the method developer Shin'ichi Suzuki. During primary and high-school years, she competed in classical music competitions, as well as performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and other international chamber music ensembles. She was a member of the Philadelphia All City Orchestra, holding the position of 1st Violin/2nd chair for 4 years, and furthered her violin studies with Booker Rowe of the Philadelphia Orchestra. She studied jazz vocal performance at Community College of Philadelphia and Rowan University, and completed degrees in Music Performance and Education. She currently performs with Sun ra Arkestra. David has studied guitar and music theory since the 1980s, primarily with private teachers including Curtis Harmon Sr., Steve Giordano, Marshall Allen, and [Dennis Sandole students] Glenn Wallace and Pat Martino. He has been a professional musician in the Philadelphia area since the 1990s, working with jazz, Afro-Cuban, and singer/songwriter musicians and ensembles. Since 2000, he has been internationally touring and recording as member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, under the direction of Marshall Allen. He's had commissions to transcribe and write orchestrations of music for local musicians, music colleges, and international new music ensembles. In 2015, he completed a 3-week artist-in-residency in Cologne, Germany to explore the musical intersection of Sun Ra composition, Harry Partch instrumentation, and Spectral Music aesthetics.