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BA, Cal State Fullerton University, Music Education MA, Azusa Pacific University, Choral Conducting
2000 - Won Choir of the World at Llangollen, Wales 2002/2003 - Performed with Hollywood Bowl Orchestra 2006 - Performed with Boston Pops Orchestra
I am a motivated, patient teacher who loves working with students of all ages and levels. I have worked in teaching private lessons in voice and piano for over 20 years. I have toured all over the world, have been in several performances with Pacific Chorale, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA philharmonic, and Boston Pops Orchestra. I have worked under Esa Pekka Salonen, a world renowned clinician and conductor, as well as Andre Bocelli and various artists from around the globe. I have written various works and have written music for many of my students. I love what I do, and I can't wait to meet the many students that continue to bless me!
I began teaching lessons in college as a young 18 year old of my home. I have used various methods over the years, many of which I have come to love. I have taught many different genres with classical being the main emphasis, but I am always open to my students and I am anxious to hear what they would like to accomplish, what their interests are, what makes music come alive. Teaching music is more than educating, it teaches discipline, and it allows for students to explore and see what they're capable of. I love seeing the look on the face of one of my students that have seen music come alive to them! It's the most rewarding thing, and I want to see more of it.
For my young, beginning students, I have used Faber Piano Adventures. I find that the repetition with fingering and technique is essential for aspiring artists. As the students progress, I continue to use the same method as well as bringing in solo repertoire, especially as it pertains to performance and preparing students for NFMC testing. For voice, I always find out what the student is interested in, especially for adult students. I then find music that will suit their level of singing, and introduce various genres so that they can at least see what else is out there. Who knew you could sing Mozart and Guns and Roses?! Music should be fun as well as educational.
I am a very patient teacher, but I am also strict when it comes to practice. I am adamant about practice as it is everything to the student's success. However, I work with each and every student individually to find out how they learn, and I work at their pace. Every student is different, so I work at their level. I do not design my studio to a set of rules for a rigid method, I believe that every child can learn music at some level, and they can and will succeed! I am my student's number one fan, and I will do everything I can to make music a daily part of their lives!
As an older adult, with a busy schedule, and not a lot of music experience, Vanessa was the perfect teacher. Her expert instruction and patient disposition kept learning piano fun and interesting. Vanessa brings an immense about of knowledge and experience to her teaching. I felt challenged and encouraged to try new pieces and to improve. She balanced skill practice and music theory, in a way that added depth and kept the learning interesting and enjoyable. I would without question recommend Vanessa to anyone wanting to learn piano or voice.
Vanessa is a terrific teacher! My husband and I took piano lessons from her as adult learners and she did a wonderful job in helping us, me especially as a total novice, feel comfortable with the subject. She was able to customize the pacing to our individual abilities while also providing appropriate challenges to keep our interests keen and wanting to keep learning! You won't be disappointed; Vanessa is professional, caring and a very skilled teacher.
Despite Mrs. Vanessa's tremendous talent and ability, she is remarkably patient and humble, making her an excellent teacher in every aspect. Her talent and ability keep you informed and push you to do your best; her patience and humility always fill you with hope and courage. She is kind and supportive, and as an adult student of hers I benefited greatly. Although it has been over a year since she taught me, her words of wisdom have not left my mind. I am very thankful and honored to have been her student!
Vanessa is the best teacher my son has had ever. And this is not an exageration. When she left to Idaho, my son and us were extremely sad. My son said: Vanessa is irreplaceable, I will miss her, I feel like I lost a close relative! He is a teenager! Not often you hear those kinds of words from teenagers. Vanessa is the most patient, dedicated, professional person I have ever met. She is kind, very polite, the best manners, and at the same time, she puts her at students' level to laugh and have fun with them. She also puts herself in the student's shoes' to understand them, and give them what they need to love their piano classes. We miss you Vanessa! and we hope you all the best for you and your Family. God Blees You!