What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed30 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students should practice every week. Young beginners should practice at least 15 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days a week. Intermediate to advanced students should practice 20-40 minutes a day 5 to 7 days a week. Again, it depends on the student's age, level, and goals. Have I taught students that don't practice at all? Yes, and I will continue to. Life is busy, and I'm forgiving! But it is highly recommended that students DO practice in order to get the most out of their lessons.Assessment
I will use informal assessments of progress as we go. Once a song or concept is mastered, we move on to the next. If the student is using Royal Conservatory of Music or ABRSM repertoire, we can prepare for real exams or mock exams to be done in class. Exams are never mandatory however!Class Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
This ongoing, once-a-week class is for students who want to learn piano, singing, music theory, or a combination of any of these three. I tailor my lessons to the individual, and I have taught many different types of music lessons. From beginners to early advanced, I have been helping students achieve their musical goals for over a decade. **Please let me know in advance of your child's first lesson what they would like to learn and if they have had music lessons before. If you do not see a time that works for you, reach out to me with your desired days/times, so I can double check my availability or add you to the waitlist. If you would like 45 minute or 1 hour lesson, I offer these classes as well. Longer classes are recommended for intermediate/early advanced students or students taking combo (piano and singing) lessons.** PIANO: I use a method like Faber’s Piano Adventures or the Alfred Series with beginners. I will meet intermediate/advanced students where they are and we will go from there. I can prepare students for Royal Conservatory of Music/ABRSM exams, or we can just use the repertoire in class without exams in the mix. Students who want to learn their favorite songs from the radio, we can do that too provided you have already done some work in a method book and can read some music! Not sure? No problem, I am happy to consult on materials and goals. SINGING: Musical Theater/Broadway, Disney, popular music, and classical. We will discuss the student's interests, and they will be taught safe, effective vocal production, lyrics, diction, breath support, ear-training, etc. I’ll teach warm-ups, ear-training, repertoire, and in some cases sight-singing. I can prep vocalists for Royal Conservatory of Music/ABRSM exams and performance auditions as well. MUSIC THEORY: Music theory is an important part of any music lesson and will generally be taught alongside piano or singing. However some students just wish to take a theory class as a standalone, and I’m happy oblige. Whether the student is prepping for a theory exam or just wants to learn the ins and outs of music language and notation, I can provide tutoring in this subject. All that is needed is a theory workbook at the appropriate level, which I can recommend if needed. PIANO/VOCAL COMBO, Two Types: 1) Beginners interested in both singing and piano can take the two side-by-side in a single class. We’ll spend half the class on piano and half the class on singing as two separate subjects. For this type of class, 30 minutes is fine for younger beginners (6-7 years old), but older beginners should consider a 45 minute or hour lesson, as this is essentially two classes in one. 2)For more experienced piano players who love to sing, I offer a combo lesson where I teach students to comp themselves. Comping is an accompaniment style of piano playing that is focused on harmony, so that you can sing and play at the same time. Students will learn all about building chords and chord progressions; understanding key signatures and scales; how to read chord symbols, Roman Numerals, and lead sheets; how to transpose to a key that fits your voice; and we will practice coordinating the voice and piano. *For this type of combo lesson, students should have already had around 2 years of piano lessons and be at least 10 years of age.* There is really no limit to what we can achieve in our music classes. The most important thing to me is that students are having fun and enjoying the process of learning music!
Learning Goals
Students' goals will depend on their age, level, and interests. We will discuss specific goals before or during our first class and evaluate them as we go. Most importantly, we want to have fun learning music.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents are asked to look over all class materials and keep track of what students are singing or playing, particularly if the student is learning popular music. Song lyrics vary widely and so do parents' thresholds for what they are okay with their children singing and learning. I filter songs the best I can for language and content, but parental input is extremely valuable and necessary. If, at any point, you have a concern about any of the material, bring it to my attention so that we can adjust or use different material!
Supply List
A piano or keyboard is needed for piano or piano/vocal combo lessons. Books will be needed for piano lessons in particular, and I can recommend those depending on the student's age and level. I can provide material for the first few classes if time is needed to order books. If the student already has books on hand, that's great! Piano/Vocal combo and singing lessons may or may not need books, depending on the student. We can discuss. A music theory book is highly recommended. Singers should have access to YouTube or have a way to play recorded music during their lessons so that we can listen to songs, piano accompaniments, and use backing tracks as needed. A pencil never hurts in case we need to take some notes!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Texas Christian University
I have a BA in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University and was certified to teach Music grades EC-12 in the State of Texas for many years. I have taught private piano, singing, and theory lessons for over a decade to students from ages 4 all the way to adults post-retirement.
Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$36
per sessionMeets on demand
30 min
Completed by 85 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-18