Mackenzie S
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Opera
5.0
(4)
Mackenzie S
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Opera
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
MT-BC, Cleveland State University, Music Therapy (primary instrument- voice) Cuyahoga Community College, Associate of Arts
Awards:
2018 - CLASS Scholar 2017 - Vice President, Cleveland State Student Music Therapists 2017 - Neurologic Music Therapy training
Overview:
I am an enthusiastic and compassionate instructor who loves to share my musical knowledge with those eager and willing to learn. I received a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Cleveland State University in 2018 and became a board-certified music therapist in January of 2019. With this degree and profession comes the knowledge and skillset of numerous instruments, including voice (my primary instrument), guitar, piano, and ukulele. It is of great importance to me that students receive an individualized teaching approach that is unique to his or her learning style. I am able to teach voice at an advanced level and all other selected instruments at an intermediate level.
EXPERIENCE
I have taught lessons on-and-off throughout my college career. This began about five years ago when a few of my friends communicated interest in learning various instruments. What started as casual pointers then developed into structured half-hour lessons each week. As a music therapist, I also have experience teaching adaptive lessons for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students are encouraged to select repertoire of their choice in order to make the learning process more personal and enjoyable. I love teaching individuals of all ages.
METHODS USED
As previously stated, I believe that each session should be individualized to best suit each student's needs. For a typical beginner, I will first teach posture and note identification followed by basic warm-ups. Once the basics are taught, the student will be allowed more flexibility in the repertoire and specific skills he/she wants to learn. For children, I may teach fun, short, simple songs first to keep the student engaged. For adults, lessons may be more straight-forward while still catering to their preferences.
LESSON STYLE
Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEW
Stacie Debenedictis
Mackenzie has only been working with our daughter for a few weeks, but we can already hear great changes in our daughter's ability to sing on key. She also works on great fundamentals like proper breathing while singing. We are happy with Mackenzie's instruction.
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