Georgia E  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Saxophone, Bass Guitar
Styles: Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk

I began teaching private lessons five years ago during my first year in college. I consistently taught privately, as well as in classroom settings in youth music programs in Boston. I also developed and taught courses in songwriting and music theory for teenagers. I encourage students to develop their age-appropriate practice routines, and support them in sticking with them. Sticking to a schedule helps the young musician build a relationship to their instrument. My teaching philosophy is "exploration as a road to mastery." I help students build a repertoire they can perform. This tends to be a combination of songs they know and love, and songs that I introduce them to. I introduce the elements of music theory in relation to songs. Scales, harmony, and ear training are grasped better, and enjoyed more, once a student has context. My goal is to have each student feel safe in the learning process, while still pushing them out of their comfort zone. If they are not succeeding and having fun, I am not doing my job right!    

No matter the age of the student, I believe in project-based learning: I help my them write songs, make arrangements, record albums, and prepare for recitals. They will develop a respect for the craft of making music, the more creatively involved they are. A list of a couple highly recommended instruction books is given to each student on their first day. This is to help them grasp the basic language of their instrument. I always ask what students are interested in learning, and combine their natural interests with pieces that I believe will help them develop.