Heather J
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Heather J
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
Music Teacher National Association Award
Williamsburg Music Teacher Association Awards 2011-2018
US Coast Guard Spouses Award for Leadership Dedication 2019
Effingham Women in Business Presidential Award
Leadership Education and Development Award
Music has been part of my life since early childhood. I began taking piano lessons for many, many years from some of the best teachers in the Effingham County and surrounding Savannah area. I have taught students from age 4 through 75 for over 20 years I have attended numerous Piano and Music Workshops throughout the country and met many composers, played in many concerts, taught workshops, music in public and private schools and have directed children’s choirs as well. Many of my students have progressed to obtain their music degrees, become teachers and musicians in many facets of the field. As the owner and teacher at Southern Academy of Music and Academic Tutoring, near Savannah, GA,
I have been blessed to take from teachers in the guild and also accompany others in playing highly challenging pieces for the Savannah Symphony and other Music Teacher's Associations. It brings me great joy to teach someone the art of playing the piano or singing a song in the correct key and in their respective voice ranges (alto, soprano, etc..) I love to sing and practice scales to help with elevating my voice and sustaining my vocals. Once someone truly "finds their voice", it is the most beautiful sound heard.
I believe that every child and adult can succeed given the right tools. Success-based piano lessons and purposeful home practice means that our pianists improve daily. It is a joy to play the piano, teaching this amazing instrument to students of all ages and take ownership of my students’ success! These are the young musicians who make music with them for the rest of their lives, in whatever capacity is right for them. It’s important to myself to time to listen to the needs of my students, whether musically or academically and help them set their goals and then move forward achieving/mastering these goals.
It is my preference to have my students purchase Lesson, Technique, Theory and Solo books by Alfred. At times for adult learners, I will choose "Alfred's Adult All in One" (a nice concise series). I do require different performance books or a piece for recitals and at times Holiday or another music repertoire if necessary. I do expect students to be able to use a metronome and learn accuracy in timing and also have them practice sight reading, humming and often accompany my students. Students sing all kinds of musical styles, from music theatre, Disney, pop, country, to folk, light rock, jazz, or classical. I am very patient when searching for recital songs with my students, as it is extremely important to me that my students sing a song they really love and also sing a song that will help them learn and grow both vocally and musically. So as a team, we choose the best song for each student for each recital.
Music is a gift that moves us and soothes us. It is emotionally edifying, uplifting and inspiring. It also has the ability, to affect us in infinite ways. Music is a universal language. I love teaching piano and teach theory, performance and do vocal and instrumental coaching as part of the accompaniment. I also teach beginning vocal lessons. My students regularly participate in adjudications and competitions where available. I am a member of the Music Teacher’s National Association and a past member of the Williamsburg Music Teachers Association. I anxiously look forward to meeting you or your student and helping you become the musician you have always dreamed of being!
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