Voice Lessons in Jacksonville, FL

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
There are a few tips that I have for practicing effectively: 1. Set clear and achievable goals for yourself both within the practice time and long-term. 2. Record yourself practicing because sometimes what comes out of the piano may not be what we imagine we're playing. 3. Reflect and asses playing before, during and after practice. 4. Use critical listening while practicing- It is so easy to just start playing notes rather than making music and singing through the piano. 5. Pay attention to the details of your piece, your instrument, and also be aware of your body moments which all contribute to the overall sound and character of your piece.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child can follow instructions and pay attention to another adult's instruction, then they are ready. Most students start at age 5 or 6. But a lot of pianist start as early as 3 or 4! I think that once your child is old enough to talk they can start lessons. A wonderful plus about lessons in my studio is that parents are given the option to be with their child during the lesson and watch their child learn. This helps the young child to feel more welcome and at home and that they have the support of their parent/guardian.

When will I start to see results?
I think this depends on what you define as results. To me, results are immediate because change, growth and learning happens immediately. This does not mean that within in two weeks or a month that a student may play to the level of Beethoven, but it does mean that the student will develop skills which they had not had before, or build upon skills at a higher level than what was known before. My students, after their first lesson are able to play at least one or two songs. Of course, for beginners, it will be a song like Mary had a Little Lamb or Old McDonald had a Farm. However, they learn the basics of music and piano enough to be able to apply their knowledge to simple songs. Growth from this point happens gradually and depends on the collaborative effort of student and teacher to continue advancement.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Well, my story is a little different. My church wanted a pianist so they sent me to lessons. I began lessons a little late in the 7th grade at age 10. Once I started music lessons I loved music so much that I practiced every chance I got even during break and lunch times which contributed to my advancement in music. I started with a wonderful teacher who was warm, friendly and like a mother. She made everyone feel like they were part of a big family and she did it very naturally. Her family was a musical family so it came natural for her to cultivate the love and passion for music in her students.

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