Music Lessons in El Mirage, AZ

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard Djembe

I began taking piano lessons at age 8, competed in concerto competitions in high school, and continued my studies at ASU. As a child, I told myself that I never wanted to become a piano teacher, but a friend in college asked me for lessons, and my love for teaching blossomed from there! I've taught at music academies, group lessons, trio & duo lessons, but I prefer one-on-one lessons. I find that it's important to build a positive rapport with my students, making their experience fun & educational. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching experience dates all the way back when I was 5, when my father was a clarinet instructor. He was the first ever principal clarinetist of the China Navy Band. I am currently working as a teaching assistant at the Arizona State University, where I am managing 8 college level students. I have also taught elementary, middle and high school, also college and graduate students at the Central Conservatory of China. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Bassoon Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began to my internship and student teaching at elementary and high schools around the valley. I like to include my students' opinion when planning their lesson curriculums. I don't believe in lesson plans that don't allow flexibility and providing the students with opportunities to pick repertoires they are interested in. I've also found that using technology and fun music games the iPad as well as performing along with students can go a long way in helping students to stay motivated and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students depending on the instrument of choice, I use: (In no particular order) Standard of Excellence for Band Instruments, consistent with school best practice methods Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber, for consistency and technique development as well as decent solo repertoire for recitals Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Course or Alfred, both are good sources. Rainbow Ukulele for younger students in elementary school plus a combination of supplemental materials I've gathered over the years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most effective teacher is a friend. As a friend, I can use the most effective teaching techniques to help them progress. Every student is different in their pace, goals, and passions. I love learning my student's musical dreams and fighting with them to accomplish them! Setting realistic goals to both encourage and challenge a student is a core to my teaching. Without those goals, learning to play an instrument remains an overwhelming task! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Faber - John Thompson - Bastien - Alfred - Hal Leonard etc Shirley tries to fit the student to the method. Every method doesn't work for every one. Age and experience and ability all play important factors into the method that is used for you or your child personally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Recorder Music

I also regularly read and attend lectures, conferences, seminars and master classes to always improve my teaching skills. I have been teaching piano and music theory since 1983 and have played professionally. I am a of Music Teachers (CAPMT), Empire Music Teachers Association (EMTA), the Music Educators National member in good standing with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was with the California Association Conference (MENC), the Suzuki Association of North America, the National & the Inland Empire Kodaly-Orff Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. Read More