Valeri W
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Valeri W
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-30
BA in progress, Berklee College of Music, Composition & Orchestration for Film & Television
2017 - Orlando 48 Hour Film Project's Best Music 2016 - Orlando 48 Hour Film Project's Best Sound Design
At the age of three, I developed an interest in music, and spent a lot of time with my little keyboard plucking out songs I heard on tv. Luckily for me, my parents recognized my interest and enrolled me in lessons where I learned to read music before being able to read the words on the pages. I continued my lessons for 15 years with a focus in classical music, earning high marks in competitions. I also studied symphonic band, musical theater, and jazz throughout high school while learning improvisational skills as a church pianist. I've had the opportunity to play with other musicians in band and studio settings; my particular favorite project was with a violinist who had performed in Carnegie Hall. At this point in my life, I play for wedding ceremonies and a local church, while working towards obtaining my Bachelor of Arts with the Berklee College of Music for Composition and Orchestration for Film and Television.
I began teaching when I started studying with Berklee. Admittedly, I wasn't entirely sure how to take on such a job, but soon discovered that it was something that came naturally to me, and something I enjoyed doing. I have taught students of varying levels, from a complete beginner unable to read any music, to someone who was able to sightread proficiently. I like to take the time to know what my student's goals are, and help them work towards achieving them. From my own training, I like to have a focus in classical music to build technique, but also take into account the student's own musical taste, because music is supposed to be enjoyable!
For very young beginning students, I typically start with Faber Piano Adventures, and for older beginners, the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures or Hal Leonard Adult Learner Series. Once the student has shown an understanding of basic theory and technique, classical repertoire will be introduced, along with level appropriate arrangements of the student's choice music. It's important that the student is taught how to practice a piece effectively to continue growing musically in between lessons, so that lessons can be used to find areas for improvement, and to learn new concepts and material.
My favorite thing about teaching is that no two students are the same; and no two lessons with the same student are either! It is so important to establish a goal for a student to work towards, so that they know what they're practicing for. Not huge goals either that are months away, but goals that can be accomplished between each lesson. The best part of the job is seeing students get excited for music, and being able to grow in such a way that they're able to put their personality into their performances.
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