BA, Muhlenberg College, Music, concentration: Jazz Piano Performance
BA, Muhlenberg College, History, receiving High Honors
Awards:
2014 - Fair Lawn High School SGOverdrive Music Scholarship
Overview:
I began learning classical piano when I was around 9 years old. By the time I was 15, in addition to learning guitar and drums, I was the musical co-director, along with my sister, at the church my family attends. At 17 I switched focus to Jazz which I continued to study through university, Jazz piano being the concentration of my music major. In addition to this I've written and recorded several guitar compositions, as well written and music directed for musical theater productions both at school and professionally. I'm passionate about what I do and am eager to spread love for music!
EXPERIENCE
Since I began learning piano, my cousins would ask me to show them what I had learned in my latest lesson and attempt to teach them. Even then I enjoyed the experience of sharing and teaching music. When I was 15 I began teaching guitar lessons to a small group of students who attended service at the church my family attends. In addition to this, family friends would hire me to give their children piano/guitar lessons on weekends. Since then I have volunteered for my hometown's summer music enrichment program, and have continued to do one-on-one lessons. Outside of music I very often found myself in teaching scenarios. For several years I instructed WTF Taekwondo, holding a rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt. I also taught and assisted my mother in teaching Sunday school for several years. Throughout my years of teaching experience I've worked with all age ranges and levels of proficiency. I personally enjoy the experience of imparting information upon other people, viewing the progress, and then continuing to teach and watch the student grow.
METHODS USED
I typically create my own lesson plans and try to cater them to the student. Most recently I've been working with trying to find a balance of teaching music theory and practical piano. When teaching theory, I often refer to Kotska's and Payne's "Tonal Harmony" for the order of the curriculum, and when it comes to exercises I will either write them out on the spot to demonstrate something to the student (I also feel it is important to SHOW the student how to MAKE music, ie. proper note notation, and symbol shape), or prepare them in advance if the content is more complex. I simply believe in a balance of all aspects of music, but having that balance be catered to the student.
LESSON STYLE
Immediately I'd like to know why the student is pursuing the given instrument, then sort of gauge a level of passion, drive, talent, etc. and then work from there. With guitar and piano there are several routes one could choose for performance, and each one has different teaching fundamentals. Someone who gravitates more toward Jazz will need a very strong base in musical theory, where as someone who wants to play classical might need stronger technical work. Essentially I cater my methods to the student, very often coming up with original assignments and practice material.
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