Introduction to Music: Notes, Rhythms, Keys - Individual Lessons for Beginners
What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed30 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Class Experience
Beginner Level
This class is designed as a precursor or supplement to instrument or singing lessons. Especially when starting a new instrument, it can be helpful to separate the mechanics of the instrument from all of the other details of the music such as notation, etc. Even just learning to hold an instrument can be overwhelming, and I often find that my students have the most success with notes, rhythms, and keys if they are practicing these skills separately from playing their first notes on a new instrument. If you (or your learner) are just starting an instrument or want to start instrument lessons soon, this class can help you build the skills you need to make the process of learning the instrument easier -- and you will understand the music better too! No experience is required; ages 6-18 welcome! In this class, we will start with rhythms and meter and also incorporate note reading. Once a student feels comfortable with notes & rhythms, we will work on learning about intervals and keys. If a student has a desire to learn a particular instrument, we will focus on skills needed to help support that study. For example, a student interested in viola may wish to spend these lessons learning to read alto clef fluently. A student interested in piano may want help with treble and bass clef. A student interested in drums or percussion may wish to spend more time on rhythms. These are individual lessons, so they can be totally customized to whatever topics you would like to study and focus on. I am happy to work with students who are just looking to play music for fun, as well as with students who want to take it more seriously. I recommend that students spend ~5 minutes per day reviewing concepts we discussed in the previous week's lesson or practicing the skills. More exercises and practice can be recommended if desired. Students with some experience may wish to see my course listing on Music Theory & Aural Skills Lessons. Beginning students can sign up with either class listing, as the lessons are totally individualized and catered to you and your goals. https://outschool.com/classes/individual-music-theory-and-aural-skills-lessons-beginning-through-advanced-wN1Wcrsp?sectionUid=d8777f77-9aa5-466f-80bb-96fdb88464b7#usplhydxMZ Please note that I do have a 24-hour notice policy for rescheduling or cancelling lessons. Any lessons missed without 24-hour notice are not eligible for a refund or makeup. If you have a conflict, please let me know at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson time, and I will be happy to accommodate schedule changes!
Learning Goals
Learn to clap, speak, recognize, and compose basic rhythms
Learn about different meters, time signatures, & how to recognize them
Other Details
Supply List
A pencil and staff paper. Free staff paper can be downloaded online.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Music from Boston University
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Bachelor's Degree in Asian Studies/Civilization from Oberlin College
My name is Sabine, and I am a violinist and educator. I am a recent graduate of Boston University's School of Music, where I earned my Master of Music in Violin Performance. Prior to that, I attended Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, where I received a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies (focusing on Chinese language and politics). As a solo performer, I pride myself on thoughtful interpretations and compelling performances. I am a lover of collaborative work and have performed extensively as a chamber musician in duos, string quartets, and piano trios, quartets, and quintets. I am also passionate about orchestral music; I have served in Concertmaster, Assistant Concertmaster, Principal Second, and Assistant Principal Second Violin roles for the Oberlin Orchestra and the Boston University Symphony Orchestra. I have recently performed in masterclasses for Rachel Barton Pine, Midori, Melissa White, Régis Pasquier, and the Emerson String Quartet, among others. I am currently pursuing a Performance Diploma in Violin Performance at Boston University.
As an educator, I have taught private violin lessons for many years to students of a wide range of ages, and I have tutored music theory and aural skill extensively. I took several pedagogy courses throughout my education and taught undergraduate Aural Skills at Boston University during the 2021-2022 school year. My goals as a teacher are to be kind, thoughtful, and effective. Every student is different in terms of their personality, level, and goals; some students just want to play for fun while others may want to take it more seriously. Thus, I cater each lesson toward the learner's individual needs. I strive to meet each student where they are and to help them create and work towards short and long-term goals. Each week's lesson builds on the previous week; we will frequently review topics to cement and deepen understanding, and I will introduce new details each week.
I offer individual violin, music theory, and aural skills lessons to students ages 8 and up, and beginning music/note-reading lessons to students ages 7 and up. If your learner is younger than these ages, please feel free to send me a message to discuss. Complete beginners, as well as those with musical background are welcome! Violin concepts could range anywhere from holding the instrument and bow to performing concertos; music theory concepts could be anywhere from an introduction to music, reading notes on a staff and basic rhythms, to analyzing form & harmony, part-writing, and other collegiate-level theory subjects.
I currently maintain a studio of about 30 students. Please reach out if you have any questions about my experience, approach, or classes!
Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$36
per sessionMeets on demand
30 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-18